Rock/Review Monrad - Caught Up
Monrad is the solo moniker of Matthew Ramon. Part of a reverb-drenched, instrumental surf punk band for most of his twenties (Rencontrez l’amour - Born of punk and reverb), he only grabbed back to music when he finally settled in a rural Italian village. Loyal to a reverby guitar sound, Matthew started experimenting with other instruments, different genres, styles, and sounds.
The song "Caught Up" by Monrad expresses the common experience of feeling overtaken by the unrelenting speed of contemporary life. The song examines the difficulty of balancing job, family, friendships, and personal time until the weight of it all becomes intolerable through its thoughtful words and evocative backdrop. A need for an escape, an emotional relief from the obligations that seem to keep piling up, is brilliantly captured by Monrad's voice and the melancholic accompaniment.
The production of the tune is layered, creating a tension that reflects the inner battle of striving to keep up with life's expectations. The mellow, contemplative lyrics give way to a forceful chorus that explodes like a breaking point, as the overpowering need to let go is expressed. Because listeners may identify with the desire to escape the boredom and strain of everyday routines, "Caught Up" strikes a deep chord at this precise time.
"Caught Up" is an exceptional track because of Monrad's ability to combine sympathetic narration with an expressive musical backdrop. The notion of looking for release is strengthened by the eerie, dreamy quality created by the sorrowful undertones and subdued rock. In the end, "Caught Up" reminds us all of the value of finding equilibrium and times of solace among the turmoil while also acting as a reflection on the emotional toll of contemporary living and a therapeutic experience for those who listen.