Mirror Magazine

Since the era of ‘The Last Banana’ where the ‘Monkeys’ got together to play their last gig, The Brass Monkey Band has come a long way.

As intended, ‘Monsoon Sunday 1: Warning Signs’ wowed their fans around the country. Then, there was a final drum roll… a final lingering chord… and the ‘Monkeys’ just went missing.

So the search parties were assembled and all set to dispatch, when we got a call declaring that they were back and ready to play!!!

Delving into their past, we came across immense talent and distinctive creativity highlighted by a lot of enthusiasm and craziness. The Brass Monkey Band started out nearly two years ago amidst a lot of expectations and curiosity from the public. Will they last…? Will they make it big…? Or are they going to be all talk…? many wondered. In the end, the ‘Monkeys’ exceeded their own expectations by becoming one of the most celebrated bands in Colombo.

Within two short years they released an EP as well as an album that featured only their originals. Each of these songs was a communication of that unique spark of creativity only these musicians together could deliver.

What were they up to while they were proclaimed as, “disappeared off the face of the earth?”

Each was equally busy, but one of the main reasons for their absence was Aadhil Aziz, their vocalist cum guitarist, who was out of town on work. In his absence, the ‘Monkeys’ used this break to explore themselves as individuals.

For instance, take their drummer Anik Jayasekera, who claims to have provided back up vocals for Cool and the Gang. Interestingly enough, we remember him mentioning that he couldn’t sing for a toffee. One can only assume that he has been having a lot of honey to soften his vocal chords. Apart from that he has been working for a telecommunications company, and also been concentrating on his CIM examinations. “I have also been at jam sessions with my close friends at home,” he adds with a cheeky smile.

As Anik was slowly turning into a songster, Ravihansa Wetakepotha explored the joys of university life at Nottingham University, while concentrating on his studies. However, he hasn’t been quite the nerd that you might have started picturing in your head. He has been recently involved in a private production with Ranga Dassanayaka of Hit Factory; “Basically he is working on a solo album,” quips Aadhil. For now, as long as his summer break lasts, Ravihansa has joined forces with the rest of the ‘Monkeys’ to celebrate their common love for pandemonium.

Swinley Perera, the violinist cum pianist cum vocalist of this colourful ensemble has been keeping herself busy with school, university and piano examinations. She has also been playing with some of the other local bands at various concerts. One such performance that comes to mind is HollowPoint Halo’s second live performance Underskin.

Unfortunately, this concert may be the last opportunity we get to enjoy her performance with the rest of the band. Swinly will leave to Melbourne, Australia for further studies. “I feel quite upset,” she says, convinced that she will start crying after the gig. “As long as it is not during the gig, we are fine with her crying,” the others quip, promptly acting out the situation that would materialise, if she did start crying during their performance.

So what has changed?

Apart from a new bass guitarist and a slight difference in their style of music, they are still the same ‘crazy and enthusiastic monkeys’, who are excited to once again cause mayhem and havoc in central Colombo!!!

The ‘Monkeys’ have found themselves a new bass guitarist, who comes in the form of Shehan Karunathilake, while their style of music has also seen some changes. “We will be playing more jazz and lighter music for our audiences,” said Aadhil.

Now we will reveal the answer to the query that has dominated everyone’s mind, ever since they read that Swinly is leaving. Who will replace her as the pianist?

“We have a few options, and we have found someone who adds a slight jazz influence to our music,” says Aadhil, refusing to say anything more about this mystery pianist as he wants her to be a surprise. “I think we will go further down that road, and play more jazz music than rock,” he adds.

Their comeback gig, which is taking place today, is surrounded by a lot of hype and excitement. Since the word has got around that the ‘Monkeys’ are back, they have been getting many offers to play regular gigs. What will come of that we will soon see. “We will play regularly, but of course it will be a different line up,” says Aadhil, adding that they will mix and match their music depending on the venue. With a set list of about thirty seven originals, these quirky musicians have their fans’ total indulgent attention. On a more rewarding note for their fans, the Monkey’s new songs are a face lift to the kind of sound they are creating.

Our anticipation skyrockets at the mention of their gigs… As always, their live performances are definite entertainment with an interesting twist. Their previous concerts were always so quirky, and had always had the crowd most often amazed and sometimes shocked.

The memories of their previous concerts take us back to the time when Anik allegedly sang to their ever-present soft toy – a snake. Although this may not fashion such a shocking picture in your mind’s eye, we are certain that the memory of another one of their gigs, when towards the end, the kids started playing the thabla and an elderly gentlemen spontaneously took over the piano would certainly do so!

“There are many good and bad things we do spontaneously, but it’s all in the moment and mood,” says Anik, laughing, while adding that every time they play a song it’s different depending on the mood, the vibe and crowd. “We play from bhangra to salsa… and it’s all unique and different,” adds Ravi enthusiastically.

Their gig will have two guest performers, Anil Balasuriya and stand up comedian Gihan Dias… and not forgetting one huge surprise! For a while we were all convinced that this surprise should remain a surprise, let us just say that it will have the audience gasping at the prospect of being a crucial ingredient in such an electrifying affair! This surprise was going to be like nothing a concert audience has ever seen before in Sri Lanka, and any fan of the ‘Monkeys’ will surely regret not being a part of it.

But then things changed, and they wanted the audience to know what it is going to be… Are you ready for it? The Brass Monkey Band will be shooting three videos at the venue. That’s right. All you BMB fans out there get a chance to be a part of this, so ah… this is yet another reason why you should head out to their come-back gig.

Despite all the changes and everything occurring around them, this group of individuals want to say one thing… “The Monkeys are back!!!” And if you do not suffer from any serious cardiac disease or severe nervous tension, they invite you to join them in the celebration of their return!

The comeback gig of The Brass Monkey Band will be held on June 18, at the Barefoot Gallery Café from 7.00 p.m. onwards. Tickets priced at Rs. 400 will be available at the gate.