Album Review: First Monster Last Monster Always Monster by Andrew Liles
Alright, let’s dive into First Monster Last Monster Always Monster by Andrew Liles. Released back in 2015 on Dirter Promotions, this UK-born album is a wild ride through Electronic, Rock, and Pop/Rock vibes with a strong dash of Experimental and Alternative/Indie Rock thrown in for good measure. It’s like Andrew locked himself in a studio (he did everything—recording, mixing, mastering!) and just let his brain spill out onto the tracks. And honestly? It works.
Now, I’m not gonna lie, there are 16 tracks here, which might sound overwhelming at first glance. But trust me, it doesn’t drag. Two songs that really stuck with me were “Obsession” and “Amphetamonster.” Let’s break ‘em down.
“Obsession” hits you right away with its moody synth layers and this kinda hypnotic beat that feels like walking through fog while someone whispers secrets in your ear. The lyrics stick too—they’re simple but sharp, circling around themes of fixation and longing without getting all cheesy about it. There’s something raw and unpolished about how it’s put together, almost like Andrew didn’t care if it was perfect as long as it felt real. That honesty makes it memorable.
Then there’s “Amphetamonster,” which is just… chaotic fun. This track bursts open with crunchy guitar riffs and glitchy electronic bits that bounce off each other like they’re having their own little argument. It’s loud, messy, and totally addictive. You can tell Andrew wasn’t holding back—he just let the chaos take over, and somehow it gels together in this weirdly satisfying way. Every time I hear it, I wanna grab my headphones and crank the volume until my neighbors complain.
One thing worth mentioning is how much ground this album covers. Tracks like “Walking Dead” lean more introspective and brooding, while stuff like “Planet Monster” goes full-on sci-fi banger mode. Somehow, though, it never feels disjointed. Maybe it’s because Andrew wears his influences proudly, blending genres like he’s making some kind of musical smoothie. Sure, not every sip tastes amazing, but the overall effect is pretty damn cool.
Reflecting on First Monster Last Monster Always Monster, it’s clear this isn’t an album made to please everyone. It’s quirky, experimental, and occasionally rough around the edges—but those imperfections are what make it stand out. Honestly, listening to it feels like peeking inside Andrew Liles’ brain, warts and all. And who wouldn’t want to do that?
Final thought: If monsters could write music, this is probably what they’d come up with. Scary, strange, and oddly lovable. Oh, and also—I think Andrew might be part monster himself. Just saying.
