Knight Errand

Album review

Timothy Monger has earned a loyal cult following in the Midwest for the pop-infused folk-rock he created in the bands the Original Brothers & Sisters of Love and Great Lakes Myth Society, and later as a solo act. 2021's Knight Errand marks the recording debut of Monger's latest project, Timothy Monger State Park, and the three-song release takes his beguiling melodic structures and clever, observational lyrics and weds them to music that eases up on his folkier influences in favor of smart indie pop with a faint psychedelic undertow. Monger's songwriting and vocals are in typically strong form here, and his band is capable of giving this music the dynamic and evocative arrangements they deserve. Monger and Gregory Dean McIntosh contribute plenty of jangly guitar, bassist Serge van der Voo and drummer Chad Sturdivant are a rhythm section who give the performances a solid framework while adding personality of their own, multi-instrumentalist Carol Catherine shines on keyboards and violin, and Matt Collar gives the songs an edge of mystery with his trumpet. At just over seven minutes (the opening salvo, "Trade Paperback," clocks in at a mere 18 seconds), Knight Errand feels more like a single than an EP, but it's a great single that documents a group that has tremendous promise. Monger has surrounded himself with musicians who are as talented and imaginative as he is, and judging from Knight Errand, Timothy Monger State Park is a great band led by a guy who already has two under his belt, and hopefully there's going to be a full album sooner than later.
© Mark Deming /TiVo