Local band Monstrauss has been an odd addition to the South Bay scene since its inception in late 2009. They mix elements of grunge, ska, funk-metal and prog-rock. While it might be confusing for some listeners to hear a song jump between ska and grunge, all that’s needed to fully understand Monstrauss, is that these guys love the music of the 90s—all of it. That includes Stone Temple Pilots, Primus, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and many of the other alternative rock bands that decade gave us.
What is fascinating about Monstrauss is how they authentically treat each and every musically element in their songs. They play grunge like kids who grew up listening to nothing but. The same goes for ska, prog-rock and funk-metal.
Unfortunately, this is the last chance to catch Monstrauss for a while. Guitarist Noaa Rienecker is moving to the East Coast to attend the Berkeley School of Music for at least a year, maybe longer. In the meantime, you can still catch other core member, Jason Hallyburton, in any of his several other bands: 8:19, No One is Joking, and Hereticus.
Monstrauss performs at the Art Boutiki on Saturday, August 4th. The show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $5.
.Monstrauss to play last show before going on hiatus
