Browsing Tag

Monster

Tara Formosa spawned the heartbreak horror genre in her dark synth pop hit, Monster

Posted on 1 March 2026

Tara Formosa framed heartbreak as an emotive horror genre in Monster;  dark synth pop single that drags you straight into a retro-futurist fever dream. The Malta-based Aussie singer-songwriter channelled the theatrical presence of Lady Gaga in an isolation-soaked production that thrums with transhumanist, feverish rushes. Built through the lens of Y2K synth pop, hazy dream pop textures and the reverberating glow of retro analogue synths, the track forms an atmosphere that feels part haunted club, part neon-lit confessional.

The chorus gives you an anthemic rise that amplifies the aching volition running through the single. Then she tears it all back in the verses, letting vulnerability speak in soft harmonies before the next surge of emotional voltage hits. Monster becomes an intensely affecting vignette: a reimagining of the time-old heartbreak trope where someone takes liberties under the guise of affection, reshaped into something Mary Shelley-esque, carrying the essence of retro-futurist cinema rather than a standard pop lament.

After releasing her debut EP confessional in 2025, Formosa shifted direction for 2026, deciding to release five singles across the year, each tied to a moment of raw heartbreak that shaped her writing. Monster marks the opening chapter of that run.

Monster sets the tone for what looks like a bold year ahead, giving pop fans a track built for dancing through the emotional wreckage rather than sitting in it.

Monster is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Liverpool’s Smiling Jackals bared their teeth to unleash the symphonically cerebral allegory, Monster

Posted on 9 August 2025

With their sophomore single, Monster, Liverpool’s Smiling Jackals pulled no punches while stitching a cerebral thematic weight to a sonic storm that sways between precision and abandon. The track carries the fever of something ancient and unrelenting, the kind of menace that stalks from the shadowed corners of the mind. Fear, envy, and jealousy writhe in the lyrics, personified and made tangible by the force of the instrumentation.

Post-rock and metal converge in a way that feels ritualistic, yet wild with intent, like a pact signed in blood between melody and chaos. Guitars snarl, percussion crashes like war drums, and the arrangements surge with the majesty of something orchestral while remaining jagged enough to tear through complacency. In the eye of the storm, there’s an unshakable melodic grip, a sense that even as the walls close in, the music offers its own brand of salvation.

Inspired by Jacques Callot’s Invidia, the single’s artwork underscores the arcane nature of the piece, making it as much an aesthetic statement as a musical one. With Monster, Smiling Jackals summon the shadows, name them, and give them a soundtrack potent enough to make you look them in the eye.

Monster is now available on all major streaming platforms, including SoundCloud. 
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Review by Amelia Vandergast

Unleashing the Monster Within: ‘Monster’ by Moa Bones

Posted on 29 June 2023

“Monster” by Moa Bones is a captivating rock track that unleashes a pulsating energy from the very beginning. With its combination of pulsating drums, distorted ambient guitar, and a mild punk rock spirit, the song takes listeners on an exhilarating journey of resilience and determination.

The opening drums immediately grab your attention, setting the stage for what’s to come. The distorted ambient guitar, with its long notes, adds a haunting and atmospheric quality to the track, creating a sense of anticipation. Moa Bones’ vocals enter the mix, carrying an intense passion and conviction that perfectly matches the empowering lyrics.

Lyrically, “Monster” is a rallying cry, urging listeners to stand up, fight back, and persevere in the face of challenges. The mild punk rock element shines through with these defiant words, infusing the song with an anthem-like quality. The lyrics “we gotta stand up, we gotta fight back, we got a long way to go…” resonate with a sense of resilience and determination.

One of the standout features of the track is the thick guitar chords, which add a beautiful aspect to the overall rock, strokes esque sound. They provide a solid foundation and a sense of depth to the song, enriching its sonic landscape. Moa Bones’ talent as a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and producer shines through in this captivating song.

For a deeper dive into Moa Bones’ discography, heck out the Bandcamp page which offers an opportunity to explore their previous albums and discover more of their captivating music. Additionally, on their YouTube channel , fans can enjoy visual content and music videos.

Back to Yours feels the nightmares seeping all over the walls on, ‘Monster’

Posted on 2 May 2022

After recently discovering that she was actually a demon in disguise that almost broke their soul in half to be buried forever, Back to Yours struggles to close those scared eyes for a proper sleep on, ‘Monster‘.

Back to Yours is a Georgetown University-born 5-piece indie alt-pop/rock band who were formed by friends who have grown into a tight team from years of performing together.

”What began with Beatles covers and backyard parties has continued to evolve, as the band continues to write and perform in major cities up-and-down the east coast.” ~ Back to Yours

With a highly energetic soundscape that has your ears alert and your heart beating rather frantically, Back to Yours might be your new favourite band to play loud when you feel like listening to something with real intent, that isn’t too intense for those fragile eardrums.

”Grappling with themes of confusion, isolation, and the directionless feeling of entering adulthood in a constantly changing world.” ~ Back to Yours

‘Monster‘ from Washington, DC-based 5-piece indie alt-pop/rock act Back to Yours shows us a picture that has shattered glass inside and could destroy everything you thought was possible before. Sung with a superb class and featuring a catchy beat that will have you dancing, this is the track that we needed to hear in 2022.

With candid lyrics that lead us into this spooky story, this is a romance that could have ripped the heart out without you even blinking twice.

Listen up to this fine track on Spotify and see more news on the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Finding your purpose with OneSixTwo’s Monster Ft. Tommy B

Posted on 27 July 2020
https://m.soundcloud.com/onesixtwo/monster-ft-tommy-b

“Monster” from OneSixTwo is one for the books from the Medocino County artist in sunny California.

OneSixTwo takes us inside his journey of being the underdog that has dealt with the undertones that all plague us at some point. The negative energy that can be all around us. I feel like a lot of artists are envious of his talent and this affected him. Not anymore. This is a fiery effort with passion.

This is a quality single from the rising talent from Medocino artist who sings his heart out while also featuring the excellent Tommy B. These two join forces like a perfectly cooked Sunday roast and it heats up during the ice cold beat to emanate the right temperature.

2020 has just landed the ultimate soundtrack. It has been a year stained by so many tragedies.

This fine song from the talented OneSixTwo as he slides into the place he belongs. After being the underdog due to egos and pettiness for too long, it feels like this is his best effort yet. He knows what his purpose is now and that’s to make more top shelf music for the weary souls out there.

Stream this fab new track right here on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen