Monster Zoku Onsomb!

Monster Zoku Onsomb!

Monster Zoku Onsomb! is an electronic act from Brisbane, Australia, formed in 2004. The project brings together three separate Brisbane entities: The Nam-Shub of Enki, Kunt, and Miss P Leisure. Before joining the group, The Nam-Shub of Enki is known as a producer of inventive electronic music, Kunt is a female noise performance duo associated with confrontational live shows, and Miss P Leisure is a DJ known for selections that range from unusual soundtracks and 1960s surf and strip music to industrial beats.

The group develops a sound built from sample-based collage, bass-heavy electronics, rave, grime, breakcore, drum and bass, IDM and experimental approaches, along with retro and kitsch elements. Early descriptions of the project compare it to a mix of techno, jungle, hardcore punk, ragga rave and bass music. Its live performances combine programmed sound, dancing, synchronised visuals and live instruments, and are described as highly energetic.

Releases and development

Late in 2004, Monster Zoku Onsomb! releases a self-titled EP, made largely from bargain-bin record samples. The EP becomes a sell-out release in Australia and is later pressed in the UK by Death$ucker Records, where it also sells out. It receives radio support from Mary Anne Hobbs, who plays it as record of the week on BBC Radio 1’s Breezeblock.

After the EP’s success, the group tours Europe, building a reputation as a live act across the UK and Russia. In 2004, Kunt leaves the group to focus on their own productions. The band then releases its debut album, Attack, which extends its cut-up sample style and introduces Miss P Leisure’s vocals more fully. Tracks associated with this period include “Eat Brains” and “Day They Came Back”.

Later albums and labels

The group continues to tour Europe and appears at larger club nights and festivals, including Bangface in London, Bashout in Bristol and Elevate Festival in Austria. In 2008, it releases its third album, Earth Eaters, a more varied record that expands on the group’s sample-based sound. The album is co-released by Acid Somavar and Solnze Records in Russia. Acid Somavar is identified with breakcore, while Solnze is linked to the label and scene behind Messer Chups and Russian neo-exotica. On Earth Eaters, Miss P Leisure moves to full-time vocals, with lyrics covering topics such as human parasitic behaviour, beauty standards and interplanetary communication. Tracks named from the album include “Scathing Beauty”, “Suicide Sine Wave”, “Matterhorn Stabs” and “Raggiddim”.

The project describes its work as a dense experimental collage with a strong party focus, and it is presented as a live act centred on audience energy and moshpit intensity.