Brisbane's Monsters Up North release unrelenting emo rock single, 'Dementophobia'

Brisbane’s alt-rock/emo-punks Monsters Up North dig deep and conjure up a raw, emotional new single in ‘Dementophobia’ - a track that stews the genres of Emo and Post-Punk together in a great big pot with a dash of New Wave for good measure.  ‘Dementophobia’ (the specific and irrational fear of becoming insane to the point where you can no longer enjoy a normal life), produced by Chris Antolak (WAAX) at Birthday Boy Studios, sees Monsters Up North explore the notion of feeling like you’re growing away from not only your yourself but everyone you know and love as well. 

With their unique spin on Alt-Rock, Emo-Punk and vulnerable storytelling, the group undoubtedly resonate with their fanbase with songs tackling the confrontational topics of mental health and real life issues.

Monsters Up North walk the fine lines between The Cure, At The Drive In and Jimmy Eat World on this blazing track. ‘Dementophobia’ has plenty of spit and nihilism spun throughout, and are one of the rare Queensland bands that have been able to capture the raw intensity of their live performances into a recorded version, with a touch of polish to take of some of the edges. You can feel the heat, sweat and pure frustration absolutely penetrating from within this scorching track. Bonus point for the intensity of the wah guitar solo that feels like a pissed off mosquito bouncing between your ears. 

Although Monsters Up North’s inception was during the midst of the pandemic, the four- piece have managed to achieve unlikely, yet impressive feats given the tough times and the pause in the music industry.

Whether you’ll be screaming or crying along to Monsters Up North, their energetic live performances and raw, emotional storytelling is bound to leave a lasting impact on any listener that may stumble across them.   Whether it be supporting acts along the likes of Frenzal Rhomb, Loser and Anty, playing over one hundred memorable shows or releasing multiple bodies of work, the group continue to show a strong DIY work ethic, and no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Naturally, with the band's D.I.Y. attitude combined with anthems like ‘I Want You’ and ‘Family Reunion’ (placing #42 and #51 in the 4ZZZ hottest 100 and appearing on Triple J’s ‘short.fast.loud’ show) there is no question as to how they have cultivated a cult-like fanbase, launching Monsters Up North to be a household name around the Brisbane music scene.

To celebrate the release the boys are hitting the road for a short string of release shows along the East Coast, starting from Brisbane then heading to Sunshine Coast, Lennox Heads, Sydney and back home to a returning home show.

‘Dementophobia’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Monsters Up North tour dates -
25th February - Lennox Hotel, Lennox Heads

11th March - Morts Brewing Co, Nambour

25th March - Burdekin Hotel, Sydney

29th April - O’Skulligans, Brisbane