2008 Woodie Awards
Got Morningwood?
Daniel Esquivel
Issue date: 3/15/06 Section: Entertainment
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They were featured on MTV2's "Advance Warning" for their "sassy sound" and for going on "an irresistible, alternative pop-rock excursion." With enthralling lyrics and boisterous vocals, Morningwood is one band that is sure to keep you energized and ready for anything.
Morningwood's new self-titled album meshes punk and new wave to create a raunchy, yet delicious sound.
Straight from the Big Apple, Morningwood has arrived to conquer the world.
Here's the rundown of the band: a feisty lead singer, an ambitious guitarist, a shrewd drummer, and the talented bassist from the Wallflowers.
Lead singer Chantal Claret is a sheer spitfire. Her raw energy is clearly felt through each and every song. Though a resident of New York, Claret is a Northern California native; Berkeley to be exact.
Originally starting out as a film student, Claret joined forces with fellow band mate Pedro Yanomitz to form the band in 2001. Claret even appeared in the indie short film "American Mod." Soon after joining up with Yanowitz, the other two band mates signed on to begin Morningwood's musical journey.
The dynamics of the band are similar to other bands with female headliners. With Claret on lead vocals, Morningwood could loosely be compared to Garbage, Blondie, or early No Doubt.
Each song on the album has a different sound all with an upbeat, high-energy resonance. The first song, "Nü Rock," is an intense anthem to their rock n' roll predecessors. With heavy guitar riffs and ear-piercing vocals, it's sure to stir up the wild child within you.
With a sound reminiscent of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," Morningwood's overtly sexual song "Take Off Your Clothes" is everything you'd expect and more.
Their unconcealed lyrics don't leave anything to the imagination: "and your happy trail/it's my happy trail/your treasure trail/let's see what goes down." At first listen, the song sounds extremely risqué, but it's nothing but fun and frivolous.
Carrying on with the zest of "Take Off Your Clothes" is their ode to the ladies of New York.
"New York Girls" has a retro sound with spunky lyrics and is full of "a-a-a attitude."
Likewise, "Jetsetter" has a great blend of rock and synthesized sound. The song is full of energy with a melodic chorus interwoven between electric guitar and drums. "Jetsetter" expresses the full power of Claret's voice from soothing to blaring vocals.
Morningwood's first single, "Nth Degree" has an infectious beat.
"Nth Degree" stands out as the pop rock song that is sure to grab everyone's attention.
Think of that song you can't help but sing in the shower or in class while your professor rambles on and on.
"Nth Degree" sounds more mainstream than the rest of the album. Love it or hate it, it's catchy.
Toe-tapping beats mixed with the new fad of spelling out words in your songs. Forget about B-A-N-A-N-A-S. With a contagious sound and music sure to cause a ruckus, what's not to like? Make way for M-O-R-N-I-N-G-W-O-O-D.
Want to listen? Check them out at morningwoodrocks.com or their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/morningwood. Their self-titled album is available at Amazon.com and most music stores.