There is an allure of mass-conformity that seems to tempt most of us when we are young. Then again, certain individuals never feel the attraction. Anthony Shaw wanted to express his individuality. Struggling with thoughts and feelings too powerful to ignore, the 19-year-old sought an outlet to fulfill his need for drama. He joined a band. He describes the situation: "It gave voice to certain aspects of my personality that I could not express otherwise." Shaw defines the meaning of the band's name, MONOVOX, as "solitary voice". He hopes it reflects the unity and cohesiveness that four individuals can attain through their music. Matthew Schaeffer, Cliff Hammer and M. Kramer had been playing together for some time: They were childhood friends and began making music together while in junior high. Schaeffer and Kramer were also computer-savvy. They had toyed with computers and actively worked to promote their band via e-mail and the Internet. When Anthony came aboard, they knew they could begin to take their "playing" seriously. Anthony had the raw vocal talent which they never expected to chance upon. According to Schaeffer, "The vocals became the most important part of the band as soon as he (Shaw) joined. I started writing songs around his vocals. Before that time, the vocals were just a tiny pie slice of our songs' content." Anthony also found tremendous satisfaction in writing for the band. Their repertoire grew. The music has been described as "post-modern" rock, because the songs pulled influences and details from various recent decades. Dean A. Stier of the Badger Herald wrote, " MONOVOX shows a maturity not found in most major bands today. They can effortlessly move from… dark, oily noise… to… simple, acoustic melody." But it was energetic, driving rhythm that provided the breakthrough when listeners at the garageband.com web site ranked, as best, the song "First Time". From among thousands of demo recordings, MONOVOX' song was selected and the band was given a recording contract. They proceeded to go into the studio with Talking Head, Jerry Harrison (Live, The Violent Femmes, Kenny Wayne Shepherd), in charge of production. The ten-song album that emerged from that collaboration is awaiting an anticipated Spring 2002 release. A 3-song, advance, promotional EP has been released. The EP contains the aforementioned "First Time" and two other songs that will not be on the full-length album. In support of their upcoming, self-titled release, you'll find MONOVOX touring the nation in search of new fans and fresh inspiration. For those who've never seen or heard them before, the band guarantees an energetic show that'll push your buttons and leave you thoroughly engaged.