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Music Band: The enigma surrounding them and, further below that, a catchiness inherent within their music, has carved out a niche for Malayali Monkeys within Malayalam indie music. Bursting into the limelight with great vigor last year, this masked trio has swiftly earned the position of being one of the most-talked-about acts with their bizarre songs fusing the trademark Malayalam influence with upbeat modern beats. Still gaining unparalleled momentum, all band members have kept their identities guarded closely- faceless and nameless, hidden behind their signature look in monkey masks.
First among their hits was ‘Oombalum Kanjiyum’-a song with an irresistible rhythm and playful strokes of the language that keep. The song went viral on YouTube, viewed by millions, spreading like wildfire on social media. It was a quirky take on regular life in Kerala that appealed to the masses, and its music video featuring band members with their signature masks was quirky and fun, setting them apart from other indie artists.
The success of the song lay not only in the humility of its tune but in the novelty and relevance of its lyrics, which spoke to a generation looking for something new. A large part of the appeal of Malayali Monkeys lies in how they use humor and sarcasm, effectively bringing out sharp social commentary in a music scene where non-film music is mostly filled with traditional artists.
Riding high on the success of their maiden single, Malayali Monkeys comprised a team in the limelight once again with the track ‘Mathapithakkale Maappu’ in collaboration. Sung by the rapper MC Couper, the track was part of the highly anticipated film ‘Aavesham’ featuring Fahadh Faasil as the lead. This collaborative effort marked a step ahead for the three in reaching an even bigger audience while staying true to the characteristic sounds of each.
‘Mathapithakkale Maappu’ seamlessly blended MC Couper’s incisive words with the effervescent musicality of Malayali Monkeys to make a number that was as fun as it was profound. Success started building their name as a band unafraid to pull punches and consider areas in their music that border on the unconventional.
Just a few days back, Malayali Monkeys brought out their second single ‘Ookku’, once again charming and intriguing music lovers. It also contained the same comic one-liners, local slang, and ear-catching rhythms that made it an instant hit among viewers. The song ‘Ookku’ speaks about rebellion and freedom, but in a way that is very quirky, which none other than Malayali Monkeys can produce.
What sets ‘Ookku’ apart, though, is the unpredictability-the tempo changes, the style of music switches, and the listener is in for a rollercoaster from start to finish. The video, also with the masked trio, is flooded with visual brightness and chaotic energy, perfectly fitting for the mood of this track.
There is no definition for the Malayali Monkeys except an undefined phenomenon. Fully masked identities and complete focus on the music gave them a build-up of mystery and excitement that very few acts can replicate. The anonymity lets them experiment, uninhibited by expectations or preconceived notions.
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In the world of music, which more often than not is fascinated with celebrities and stardom, the attitude of Malayali Monkeys is refreshingly apart from that. They have carved a niche for themselves by embracing their individuality and refusing to conform to the usual standards of the music world. Their songs are not mere pieces of entertainment; rather, they were statements of creativity and independence.
Malayali Monkeys prove indie music is alive and eclectic in Kerala with new releases challenging the status quo. Bold, mischievous, and oozing with undeniable talent, they don’t just mark their path but are paving the way for a future generation of artists who dare to be different.
