Monkey Bars
Emerging Indie Rock Group
With hard jackin' beats chugging under their characteristic whimsical, rich melodies, Doron Orenstein and Gabriel D Vine have created a new name for house music: Monkey Bars. The tunes of Monkey Bars demonstrate a highly trained level of musicianship and a knack for clever, memorable refrains rarely heard in electronic music.
Doron, formally educated in jazz composition, performance and history, has worked as a professional saxophonist in both New York and Los Angeles, touring and performing with groups such as The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, reggae legend Half Pint, and The Bobby Matos Ensemble. Gabriel's similar jazz background prepared him well for his later success studying classical composition at the Musikhochschule in Vienna, Austria. He has won international awards for his composition; the scope of his creations includes full orchestra, chamber groups, jazz big band and voices.
However, for the last four years, both of these gents have yielded to their muse over funky, groove-laden foundations. Though initially inspired by their experiences at the now-mythical Moontribe parties, deeper impressions were made in the Los Angeles house scene. Taking creative cues from the refined and distinct sounds of the Basement Jaxx, Pepe Bradock, Rhinocerose, and even Squarepusher, they quickly mastered the way of the beat. The comparisons end there. Monkey Bars sound like Monkey Bars.
It hasn't taken long for doors to open for these two. From their EP’s on Moonshine Red, Aquarius, and their own Clover Club Recordings (with more to come on Dust Traxx, Geisha, and Lime Rickey) to their current album deal with Subliminal Records, Monkey Bars's ability to write a distinctive, solid dance single cannot be argued. Just check with Erick Morillo, Mark Farina, David Duriez or Q-Burns to see who is leading the converts. The beneficiaries of a limited press mailing, Urb, Lotus and DMA magazines have all been more than forthright with their praise.
With both producers' backgrounds in live performance, Gabriel and Doron have naturally developed Monkey Bars's live show. A whirlwind of voice, keyboards, sax and samples upheld with the perfect groove, the band's jazz sensibilities translate directly into the hearts and soles of the crowd. Their live show combines smoothly transitioning, all-original songs with peerless jazz improvisation.
Whether it’s because of their musicianship or just inborn talent, on the decks the duo shine like no others. Their taste is matchless, their technique flawless, and their energy irresistible. Spinning house music from around the world, they never play records solely because of their hype – only quality counts. Through the house filter Monkey Bars give jazz, rock, disco, funk and samba new meaning. Their trademark combination of intense, physical beats with dense harmonies and musical layers rocks crowds and blows minds, never ceasing to surprise.
The two artists are currently composing material for their full-length album to be released on Subliminal Records, straddling the perceived divide between songwriting and the DJ-driven track-based format.