Monograms - "Speak And Spell"

Words by Zach Romano

Brooklyn’s Monograms’ new single “Speak and Spell” is a barbed but danceable slice of a particularly catastrophe-obsessed slice of darkwave that the band dubs “Nuke Wave.” The track was written in the aftermath of the January 6thCapitol insurrection, and a sense of menace is present in its angular rhythms and frayed, fried vocals. “Speak and Spell” is the first track released off Monograms’ forthcoming Floors and Ceilings EP, out June 18 on PaperCup Music. 

“Speak and Spell” opens with a deceptively simple synth bass line that serves as the track’s foundation, and when the percussion kicks in, it somehow manages to be both bludgeoning and bouncy. Most of the components here are staccato and borderline-abrasive, and they twist around each other at right angles throughout the track. The vibe is very Pornography­-era Cure; the restrained guitar line and the primal rhythms of the percussion immediately made me think of “The Hanging Garden.” 

“Speak and Spell” would fit perfectly alongside Bauhaus and Cold Cave on your goth dance party playlist, and we can’t wait to check out the rest of Floors and Ceilings later this month. Listen/follow, etc.

Stream the track below. You can also purchase the track on Bandcamp or stream it on Spotify. Keep up with Monograms by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.