Label: I M Munroe Productions
Genre: Alternative/Rock
I Am Here, the new full-length, debut album from Toronto, Canada’s I M Munroe explores areas of sound that resonate with truth and team with emotion. Brothers Ian and Mark Munroe (the I and the M, respectively) create a musical catharsis that deals with issues that are not only real to them but, in turn, real to all of us. Their delivery is smooth but not soft as Ian’s bold guitar work meshes well with brother Mark’s solid vocal performance which is a redolent mix of a young Ringo Star, Talking Heads front man David Byrne and just a pinch of Richard Butler from the Psychedelic Furs. The difference being Mark has a much better range and, quite frankly, a much better voice than the aforementioned trio.
The strong melody line in “Used to Love You” is complimented by perfectly placed and perfectly pitched harmonies, adding just the right splash of colour to the mix. The same can be said for “Fool”, a song that stresses the importance of following through on that which is vital for one’s personal happiness…despite opposition. “Should Have Known Better” is a bit of a boppy tune that speaks of moving on after a relationship has lingered on beyond that “certain point” where at least one party knows it really is over.
It’s quite evident that the Brothers Munroe have invested a lot of themselves into this their first full-length recording. Memorable hooks, sagacious lyrics and a strong all around performance make this disc a keeper and this band of brothers one to watch for in the future.
-Drago