There are very few local bands in Seattle that have as much respect and artistry as Moneta has these days. I first became acquainted with these dudes back in early 2007. Since then, they’ve had a few lineup changes, won a few contests, and made a music video. The band that played three years ago is not the same as the band we see here today. They’ve released two EP’s in the past 2 years, and on Saturday night, March 27, 2010, they will be releasing “Villains”, the highly anticipated EP following last year’s release of “Heroes”. So, how does one review an album they’re anticipating themselves? Well, let me chop down this EP for you.

The first track is called “Last Transmission”. They released this song back in October as a free download but the album version is much different than the first release. The guys from Moneta teamed up with Matt McDonald from The Classic Crime to record this track. It sets the tone for this album, much darker than ones before. It is similar feel like that of “Getaway”, but there’s something that swells up inside me that “Getaway” didn’t have. It’s like that lyric you hum or the melody line… SOMETHING tugs at you. Isn’t that what quality music is supposed to do to you, make you want to hear it over again to figure out WHAT is happening inside of you?

The next track is “Hey, California”. This song really does show off a side of Moneta we haven’t seen. It is one of those songs you want to play in the car as you’re blasting down I-5 thru traffic, staring off into the sunset, wanting to “runaway.” The following track “Now and Forever” changes the pace. Jerry’s voice on this song sounds much stronger than previous tracks. It’s a different feel to a song and may leave some fans unsettled, but may also attract fans of The Spill Canvas (similar riffs, similar sound… all Moneta but there is influence.)

This EP has two ambient instrumental songs, “The Sound of Your Own Breathing” and “Big Lights, Big City” (respectively). Moneta always has one instrumental “song” in each EP. It’s like a signature of their unique artistry. They lead right into the next track. “I Wish I Had A Voice” fits into the ambient track before. It’s pretty straight forward song. The only negative thing I would say about the song is how lost I felt in the middle of the 3:11 minute song.

The title track “Villains” finished off the album well. The guitars, compliments of Chris and Rick (and former bandmates Chris B and Mike), sound flawless on this track. The guitars make this album. The quality of their skill sounds effortless and such a team effort. I really do commend those guys, putting in those long hours. Anyways, the track reminds me of every local band I’ve fallen in love with (meant in the most positive way possible.)

Bottom line, I really did enjoy this EP. Usually EP’s hold a special place in my heart because they’re crafted neatly and usually a taste of what’s to come. The issue I might have with EP is the fact it’s another EP from Moneta. Since I’ve known Moneta, they’ve only released 5-7 songs on one release. It would be nice to see the seamless craft in an 11 track release rather than a small EP. There are only so many times you can listen to 6 tracks over and over. I hope that in the future, the dudes will expand their project &amaze;fans as the next up and coming Seattle artist to change the world of music.