Brooklyn-based punk outfit MONTE releases their new single/music video, “Canna-Vision,” the first single from their forthcoming album produced by platinum record producer Barb Morrison, who has worked with Blondie and Franz Ferdinand.
“Canna-Vision” narrates vocalist/guitarist Caitlin Montclare’s experience re-entering the workforce after the fog of the pandemic.
Montclare explains, “Why come into work when we are undervalued in the workplace? We might as well sit home, smoke weed, and be blissfully unaware of the crumbling world we live in. We should be neck-deep in our art, not our work. Wouldn’t that be something?”
The song’s title, “Canna-Vision” is defined as 1) constriction of the visual field resulting in loss of peripheral vision due to high levels of cannabis smoke; 2) extreme stoneyness of viewpoint; stoney-mindedness. Also, single-minded concentration on one objective (cannabis consumption.)
Essentially a shout-out to pop-punk bands of the ‘80s and ‘90s – NOFX, Pennywise, and Lagwagon – “Canna-Vision’s” vicious, pushing rhythm, shredding guitars, walking bassline, and fierce vocals reveal the rebellious defiance of punk’s heyday.
Made up of Caitlin Montclare (vocals, guitar), Meghan Rose (harmonies, bass), and Ismael Baiz (drums), MONTE formed in 2018, when Montclare teamed up with Baiz, followed by Rose completing the line-up a year later. The trio’s sound merges elements of rock, punk, and pop into a unique sound that is both innovative and relevant.
MONTE’s drummer, Ismael Baiz, calls their sound “The MONTE pocket,” referring to the band’s atypical chord changes, riffs, and song structures.
The trio has released several singles, and two EPs and performed more than 50 shows throughout the United States, including performing at New York venues such as The Knitting Factory and The Bowery Electric.
“Canna-Vision” opens on chunky, choppy riffs rolling into a ferociously pushing rhythm riding walloping percussion and Rose’s fat bassline. Montclare’s edgy, sneering vocals imbue the lyrics with sassy, brazen flavors and cutting energy. After the sizzling guitar solo, a melodic refrain shifts the song, followed by ramping back up to growling oomph.
MONTE has it going on! With “Canna-Vision,” the threesome pumps out visceral pop-punk highlighted by glowering, rasping vocals.