Don’t Fear The Town Monster

Every now and then you encounter a band that doesn’t sweat its reputation. One that plays music in a truly distinct way you’ll either love or run away from screaming. “People can feel however they want,” said Matt Grady, drummer of Columbus band The Town Monster. “We dislike a great many bands so we know it’s bound to happen that people will dislike us. If they do then we’re on the right path because they’ve at least heard of us.”

Decide what you will about The Town Monster but this wily threesome has a unique sound that channels theatrics and precocity like some type of vintage rock circus. The band formed in June of last year and also features Nate Photos on vocals, guitar, and keys and Mike Rana on bass. Nate and Mike are from Columbus and Matt is from Akron.

The Town Monster describes their blend of indie, jazz, progressive, polka, and metal as “pleasing cacophony.” Their array of influences including Bjork, Camu Tao, Dethklok, Venus Hum, and Xiu Xiu inspires them to continually experiment with different sounds. “Writing new music and coming across something that we all like and smile about is great,” Matt said. “We’re on a never-ending quest to create better tunes.”

So far The Town Monster has released a five-song EP called Holy Mammoth. They’re recording a full-length album at Hilliard’s ElectraPlay Studios in August and hope to finish it by October. The album is not yet titled but will feature nine tracks, including the briskly kinetic “Foxy Girl.” “It’s going to be more of an upbeat shake-your-ass album in comparison to Holy Mammoth,” Matt said.

The band hopes to begin playing some out-of-town shows. “Regular jobs suck and we don’t want them anymore,” Matt said. “To the road!”

The Town Monster will perform on August 1 at The Basement with Burglar, The Selectors, and DJ Moxy and on August 22 at Bernie’s with Jonathan Hape and Ready the Destroyer.

Visit townmonster.com and myspace.com/thetownmonster for more information.

Alexandra Kelley writes about music for Columbus Underground and can be reached at alexandra477.com.