The Civil War for lovers

Although this album is supposedly a concept album dealing with the Civil War and the title comes from an ancient US warship the USS Monitor, the powerful sound and emotional tone of the album is remarkable.

"The Monitor" opens with a presidential-style speech and then starts off into the fast-tempo punk and shoegaze territory that is known as Titus Andronicus.

Characterized mainly by heavily distorted guitars that some may simply call noise and then mixed with some melodic instances and shouted group choruses of “the enemy is everywhere” and “you will always be a loser.”

Many of the songs here are anthem-like and stand as powerful emotional statements of grief and energy. The bands punk roots are easily noticeable, however there are also Irish jig-sounding songs, and early 90s grunge style vocals. 

"The Monitor" leaves an almost depressing and bitter taste in its listener’s mouth as the songs address issues of the hardships and realities of life, and the terrible disunity of the US today. “Monitor” is a wonderfully powerful and angst-fueled album reminiscent of the mid 70s punk days.