A Stunning Surprise: Jazz-Pop Craftsmanship Done Right

Read Time:5 Minute, 2 Second

MUSIC REVIEW
Monkey House – Crashbox

Genre: Jazz, Rock, Pop, R&B
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 53m
Where to Listen: will be released on June 6, 2025, via Alma Records; pre-order your copy here: www.shopalmarecords.com/, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: CRASHBOX caught me completely off guard—in the best possible way. I wasn’t familiar with Monkey House before this, but after just one spin, I wondered how I’d gone this long without hearing them. This isn’t just background music for jazz-pop enthusiasts—it’s a fully realized, finely crafted record that blends brains, groove, and heart into something genuinely exciting. If this is your first impression of the band, like it was for me, you’re in for a treat.

The moment the first track kicks in, it’s clear you’re in the hands of pros. The arrangements are tight but never claustrophobic, the melodies are smart without being showy, and every track has the space to breathe and grow into itself. It’s hard to pin it to a single genre; jazz, pop, and soft rock influences swirl together fluidly and effortlessly.

What makes the album even more impressive is how it maintains a sense of playfulness and warmth while still being complex. A track like “Someplace on Madison” glides along with a charm, casually inviting listeners into its easygoing rhythm. It’s a standout single that perfectly balances sophistication and accessibility, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s catchy as hell.

Then there’s the title track, “Crashbox,” which takes a sharper tone. It’s spacier and more urgent, riffing on the overstimulation of modern life and media chaos. But rather than falling into cynicism, the song channels that anxiety into something fun. That balance between reflection and levity is something the album handles again and again with real finesse.

Another favorite is “Sundaying,” a song that captures the serenity of a lazy weekend without drifting. Its laid-back vibe is built on subtle instrumental textures and a light touch that makes you want to let the track loop indefinitely. On the other end of the spectrum, “What’s Left of This World” explores heavier ideas but wraps them in a funky, engaging sound that keeps things moving.

Even the more introspective moments, like the piano ballad “Disappear in Plain Sight,” hit with sincerity. It adds emotional range and gives the album a moment to reflect, right when it needs one. The track has a unique feel that allows it to hold its own while feeling right at home.

Breithaupt deserves credit, not just as the band’s frontman but as the architect behind the sound. From songwriting to arranging, his fingerprints are all over CRASHBOX. But what makes it work so well is the chemistry of the whole group. Guitarist Justin Abedin, bassist Pat Kilbride, and drummer Mark Kelso form an incredibly tight core without sounding rigid. They do it with such natural ease that it’s easy to forget how complex the composition of contributors here is, and it also elevates the experience without taking it over. Whether it’s the vibrant horn work from Michael Leonhart or smooth guitar lines from Drew Zingg, everyone seems to know exactly when to step forward and when to blend into the background. The same goes for vocalists Michael Dunston and Selena Evangeline, who add warmth and texture in just the right places.

From the chilled pulse of “Feeling You Breathe” to the energy of “Friday Night Jam,” this kind of album doesn’t just play—it plays well with others. You could throw this on at a dinner party, dig into it with headphones on a quiet night, or even soundtrack a short road trip. It’s versatile without losing its identity, and that’s no small feat.

I can’t speak to how CRASHBOX compares to Monkey House’s earlier albums, but as a newcomer, I can confidently say this release stands tall on its own. It’s rare to stumble upon a band this seasoned that still sounds fresh and engaged. And if you appreciate thoughtful lyrics and arrangements that reward listening, there is a lot of polish here, but it’s also full of heart. And that’s probably what surprised me most: how personal and human the album feels, even at its most intricate. It never becomes sterile. Instead, it draws you in and holds your attention, not with bombast, but with craft and charm. CRASHBOX is a gem—accessible enough for new listeners, complex enough to impress seasoned fans, and good enough to make me want to explore everything Monkey House has done.

Track Listing:
Return of the Mayfly
Someplace On Madison
Crashbox
Disappear in Plain Sight
What’s Left Of This World
Sundaying
Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em
Bring The Stars Down
You Just Don’t Know It Yet
Chasing The Muse
Friday Night Jam
Feeling You Breathe

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[photo courtesy of ALMA RECORDS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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