Them Flying Monkeys have long been masters of transcending boundaries, whether geographical or stylistic and their latest album, Best Behavior, demonstrates that ethos. A collaborative release between Only Lovers Records and gig.ROCKS, this record showcases their ability to merge alternative and noise rock energy with intricate melodies, atmospheric flourishes, and a daring experimental edge. Known for their explosive live shows and dynamic musical evolution, Best Behavior places Them Flying Monkeys as one of the greatest modern alternative rock acts. From the moment you dive into Best Behavior, it’s clear that this is no ordinary rock release. The album brims with the balance between raw emotion and polished artistry, with every element working in tight cohesion. The band has a noticeable and electrifying chemistry, as each track radiates a confidence born of years of touring and sonic exploration, but what stands out most is their ability to harness this energy into a cohesive and innovative sound. The vocals, delivered with fiery conviction by Luís, are the emotional cornerstone. His voice transitions from hushed vulnerability to soaring anthemic power, pulling listeners into the emotionally charged world. Paired with perfectly harmonized backing vocals, the result is a layered, intimate, and universal vocal dynamic. Luís’s lyrics are sharp and introspective, carrying narratives of self-discovery, fleeting connections, and existential reflection, all with a poetic touch that resonates deeply from scratch to finish.
Sonically, Best Behavior is a labyrinth of immediate and expansive textures. The band’s hallmark melodic alternative rock sound is here in full force, but it’s infused with a newfound ambition that pushes the boundaries of their genre. Luís’s guitar work is outstanding, with jangly riffs and angular yet raw, abrasive, gritty chord progressions. His playing feels like the backbone of this material, providing a sturdy foundation while also injecting moments of unpredictability. João’s basslines are equally intricate, delivering grooves that thrum with purpose and intensity. Whether anchoring the more ethereal moments or driving its rawer, grittier passages, the bass work adds a richness that keeps the sound grounded while amplifying its aggressive and raw impact. Hugo’s drumming is nearly mindblowing, with precise and explosive beats continuously lurking around. His ability to shift between intricate patterns and driving rhythms injects the music to its highest peaks. Then there’s Diogo’s and Francisco’s synths and keys, which elevate Best Behavior into a realm of sonic otherworldliness. These atmospheric layers imbue the album with a cinematic quality, blending with the band’s raw, lush, and expansive noise rock instrumentation. At moments, the synths shimmer with the brightness of a sunlit dreamscape while at others, they pulse with an almost ominous undercurrent, adding depth and complexity to the sonic palette.
This album has a flow that feels intentional and immersive, with each track building on the last to create a narrative arc that holds your attention from beginning to end. The production is almost polished without feeling overdone, allowing the raw edges of the band’s sound to shine while ensuring every element is balanced in the mix. This duality between rawness and precision is what makes Best Behavior such an incredible release. Them Flying Monkeys have always been adept at defying categorization, and Best Behavior is no exception. The album feels like a natural evolution of their sound, incorporating influences from alternative, noise rock, post-punk, and even electronic music while remaining true to their rock roots. There’s a sense of freedom and fearlessness in the way they blend these elements, creating a sound that is entirely their own. The result is a collection of engaging and unpredictable songs, each demonstrating Them Flying Monkey’s relentless creativity. Lyrically, Best Behavior explores personal growth, fleeting connections, and the tension between conformity and rebellion. The words feel deeply personal yet universally relatable, delivered with a poetic flair that elevates them beyond mere storytelling. There’s a vulnerability in the lyrics that contrasts beautifully with the muscular instrumentation, creating a powerful and reflective dynamic.
For all its ambition and complexity, Best Behavior never loses sight of its ultimate goal, to connect with its audience. It’s the kind of record that feels just as at home in a packed, sweaty club as it does in the solitude of your headphones, offering something new to discover with each listen. In many ways, Best Behavior feels like a culmination of everything Them Flying Monkeys have worked towards over the years. It’s a record that captures the essence of their live energy while showcasing their growth as musicians and songwriters. It’s a bold, adventurous, and deeply satisfying album that reaffirms their place as one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the Portuguese indie scene. As Them Flying Monkeys prepare to release their highly anticipated third LP in 2025, Best Behavior serves as both a milestone and a promise of what’s to come. It’s a record that celebrates the band’s journey while pointing boldly toward the future, reminding us why they’ve become such a beloved force in the indie rock world. Best Behavior exemplifies their power of reinvention and the enduring appeal of passionate, well-crafted music. It’s an album that invites you to lose yourself in its world, only to find yourself coming back for more. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to their sound, Them Flying Monkeys have created marvelous material worth repeating over and over again.
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