Monkey3 – Welcome To The Machine

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · Published August 26, 2024 · Updated August 27, 2024

Monkey3 is an instrumental rock band from Lausanne, Switzerland. They formed in 2001 and have released six full length albums, two EPs, and a live record since that time. Their latest, entitled Welcome To The Machine is their seventh full length album and was released on February 23, 2024. The current lineup of Monkey3 consists of: Walter– drums, Boris – guitar, Jalil – bass, and dB– keys and sounds.

I first heard about the band in late 2005 when their Self Titled record was out. In 2006, they released 39 Laps, which I enjoyed a lot also. Monkey3 play spacy instrumental rock music that has a nice texture and feel. The music is similar to bands like 35007 and My Sleeping Karma. Monkey3 also released the Undercover EP around 2009 which featured John Garcia singing on a song, among other guests as well. In 2011, they released Beyond The Black Sky which was also a decent record. I kind of lost track of the band after that and just recently rediscovered them, just before the release of Welcome To The Machine. Astra Symmetry (2016) was a very different style in which I just couldn’t get into. However, 2019’s Sphere was a very interesting listen that I enjoyed quite a bit. The band returned to their instrumental roots and delivered a solid record of heavy and psychedelic space rock. I was excited to hear Welcome To The Machine and was anticipating a solid album. I was not disappointed one bit! The record features five tracks at around 47 minutes long.

Lead off track “Ignition” gets things going right off. The ten and a half minute song starts with a synthesizing build up that kicks into a nice heavy rocking rhythm. The drums are kicking in with excellent guitar leads in an almost prog like composition. Just before the four minute mark, the song transcends into a pause with the bass and some swirling synthesizing sounds appearing. The drums start in with flourishes of guitars that eventually get heavier. The guitars soar into some nice textured leads until just over a minute remaining when it kicks back into the heavy rocker to finish. The next song “Collision” starts with some electronic sounding drums and keyboards with a nice bass line driving the rhythm. The guitars spice it up with some tasty leads and everything gels nicely together. “Kali Yuga” is another ten minute sound scape that reminds me of new age music greats, Tangerine Dream. Monkey3 displays some nice psychedelic keyboards and soulful guitar soloing on top. The band blends spacey dynamics that flow effortlessly and fade the song out with some acoustic guitar.

The fourth track “Rackman” starts out a little haunting with a Vangelis feel about it. A very cool bass line comes in just after three minutes and the song continues to flourish with excitement. The ground work has been laid for the fifth and final track entitled, “Collapse.” I hear a huge Pink Floyd via Dark Side Of The Moon vibe with this song. The David Gilmore style guitar leads with the bass and synth combination, coupled with some roto tom accented drumming, is undeniable. Even the album title Welcome To The Machine is unmistakable. However, Monkey3 are able to shift the tone into a 35007 influence midway through. Again, the transitions are effortless and captivating.

Monkey3 are on top of their game with Welcome To The Machine. It takes the mind on a journey of self exploration with this whole record. Bands like this are a nice departure from my standard riff rock playlists. Sometimes it’s best to let the mind wander into a new dimension and not be distracted with the perils of the everyday world. This album will take you on a trip without the drugs. Let the music drive you through space and time where Monkey3 will be your guide.