Monrad, the musical project of Matthew Ramon, returns with a new single, 'Caught Up', a poignant reflection on the overwhelming nature of daily life and the desperate yearning for escape. A new glimpse into his upcoming EP, 'Not by Design', the track builds on Monrad's signature sound, promising a sonic journey that is both introspective and exhilarating.
With 'Caught Up', Monrad delivers a powerful and evocative track that resonates with the listener on a profound level. It is a song that captures the essence of the human struggle, the desire to break free from the constraints of everyday life and find a moment of release. As the lyrics suggest, "Sometimes we dive too deep / And sometimes that climb is too steep / We try for years on end / Forgetting the time we spent."
Speaking about the new single Ramon shared that the song encapsulates that universal feeling of being trapped in a relentless routine. "Life is passing by. We are trapped in our daily routine, caught up, juggling between our job, family, friends, free time," he says. "At a certain point, the numbers just don’t add up anymore, it becomes too much. The only thing you want to do is to escape, as far away as possible, leaving your responsibilities behind."
'Caught Up' channels this sentiment into a musical experience that is both cathartic and captivating. Drawing on a diverse range of influences, from surf rock and spaghetti western to darker, more atmospheric sounds, Monrad crafts a sonic landscape that mirrors the emotional turbulence of the lyrics. Ramon's vocals are reminiscent of Leonard Cohen and Mark Lanegan, add a further layer of depth and intensity to the track.
Building on the success of his previous releases, including the critically acclaimed album 'Wired', Monrad continues to evolve and experiment. 'Not by Design' sees him incorporating synths and additional musical layers, further enriching his already textured sound. The EP also features collaborations with renowned musicians Simon Casier and Michiel Balcaen, adding a dynamic rhythmic foundation to the songs.
'Caught Up' is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, and that music can provide a much-needed escape, even if just for a few minutes. As Monrad continues to push the boundaries of his sound, 'Not by Design' promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking release.
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