The Monkey In The Crown
Open Sesame, 2025
9/10
Listen to The Monkey In The Crown
HuDost are now 20 years into their existence, and their mashing of folk, world music and soul sounds better than ever across these 11 eclectic tracks.
“Fire Of Eden” opens, and uses Anit Ghosh’s elegant violin and Chris Powell’s strategic drumming for the distinct, rootsy flavor, and “Circle Back Again” follows with Moksha Sommer’s rich and flowing voice alongside Matthew Nelson’s well timed cello via the pop and folk nods.
In the middle, the energetic “Broken Down In America” makes great use of Dan Walter’s precise bass for the anthemic rock ideas, while “Take It Back” places Richy Stano on guitar amid the soothing backing vocals of intimacy and grace.
Residing close to the end, “Shine On (Knick Of Time)” offers a dreamy moment, where Jemal Wade Hines’ hazy guitar complements Sommer’s expressive pipes, and “Mercy (Murshid)” is strong on harmony and recruits Melissa Hyman’s sophisticated cello and Bryan Brock’s unpredictable percussion that suits the heartfelt finish.
A truly unique body of work from an unclassifiable band, HuDost pen a complicated but easily accessible peak at identity, transformation and choice, and it makes for a raw and authentic experience.
Travels well with: Dan & Faith- Who We Are; Amy Speace- The American Dream