Released 04/05/09, Alegria Records




Ostensibly about simian mischief, it later transpires “Monkey on the Bus” is a reference to some Buddhist philosophy called “Monkey Mind”. This is an idea which warns of the folly of allowing lower, banal thoughts to control your life. Its clear from the chorus’s grandstanding vocals that Indigo Road consider this to be a memorable and worthy message, which is as insulting as it is erroneous. Belle Erskine sings the chorus lyrics with a strange enthusiasm “Get off; don’t let the monkey drive the bus” and her tones ring with an exuberance which stands in stark (naked?) contrast to the underdressed, acoustic arrangement.


While the music is listenable enough it is an absolute nightmare lyrically.  Just have a quick scan of these lines: “Get on board said the monkey/take a seat in the back/ here’s your ticket to nowhere, it’s a long way back” Now, this somehow seems both predictable and nonsensical and, I’m sorry, you just can’t rhyme the word “back” with the word “back”. Lazy!


What really reeks about this though is that you get the feeling that Indigo Road really think it‘s a fabulous piece of work, this couldn‘t be more clear. From the self-congratulatory whoops which close the song to Erskine’s self-satisfied vocalisations it ultimately constitutes an act of self-mutilation as these elements make it a painful and unrewarding song to listen to.

Posted In Single Reviews, May 04 2009. Words - Richard