Monkey House – Crashbox Review

If there’s one band that needs much more attention and a ticket for a European Tour, it surely must be the Canadian classic 70s orientated Westcoast pop/rock band MONKEY HOUSE. We have featured them before, and now they return with probably their finest album so far, which is the 7th album Monkey House. The band from Toronto was founded back in 1992, and through the years there have been several guests on the albums of the band (including the legendary JAY GRAYDON, ELLIOTT RANDALL and many more). MONKEY HOUSE’s main member is singer/songwriter/composer/producer DON BREITHAUPT, a musician who has performed with legendary acts like KIM MITCHELL, RIK EMMETT and SASS JORDAN, while his songs were covered by the legendary ALFIE ZAPPACOSTA (one of the finest singers of all times!), MARC JORDAN and many others.

 

However, MONKEY HOUSE has always been his baby, and in the current line-up we can also find Mark Kelso – drums, Pat Kilbride – bass and Justin Abedin – guitar, while Don takes care of the lead vocals and keyboards, but there is a very long list of guest musicians, including MARC JORDAN. It’s a real Canadian product when mentioning all those legendary names, and to my surprise even HARRY HESS of HAREM SCAREM mastered the album! I am safe to say that along with Harry’s own band HAREM SCAREM’s recent new album, this MONKEY HOUSE belongs to the 2 better releases of 2025, and they’re both Canadian!

 

In total we can find 12 tracks on this new MONKEY HOUSE album, which has a superb huge crystal clear sound. Opener Return Of The Mayfly is basically pure STEELY DAN, with the same groove and melodies, but there’s also some LITTLE FEAT influences to be heard here. Following Someplace On Madison has a superb Westcoast-AOR chorus reminding of the classic late 70s/early 80s, while STEELY DAN returns during the lovely titletrack Crashbox. Disappear In Plain Sight slows things down, although it is a beautiful semi-ballad with a real classic 70s Westcoast vibe and somehow reminding a bit of 10CC. Up next is What’s Left Of This World, which is another pure LITTLE FEAT meets STEELY DAN 70s groovy soulful pop/rock tune with smooth melodies.

 

Sundaying continues the classic 70s vibe of STEELY DAN, although perhaps a little bit more polished, even picking up a THE BEACH BOYS influence, yet also a slight jazzy piano touch is included as well. Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em is one of the few straight ahead uptempo rocking pieces during the rather catchy AOR chorus. Actually this song could have been on a classic TOTO album from the late 70s/early 80s, and there’s also some great guitarwork to be heard here. Despite all the references and influences, MONKEY HOUSE definitely has an own identity. They are doing more or less the same as for example YOUNG GUN SILVER FOX or SUPER DB, so I think you will understand what to expect here. Bring The Stars Down is a calmer piece, while You Just Don’t Know It Yet is a superb groovy little Westcoast-AOR piece with a deadly catchy chorus and a jazzy piano.

 

Chasing The Muse is a superb Westcoast AOR piece with once again a memorable chorus, slightly reminding of the aforementioned YOUNG GUN SILVER FOX and SUPER DB. Friday Night Jam is in a similar style, yet a bit more uptempo rocking, and the killer chorus of this song is probably making it the best song on the CD. Closing track Feeling You breathe is a beautiful calmer KAYAKish semi-ballad to end this lovely album. Concluded, this album is a must-hear if you like the old school late 70s/early Westcoast pop/rock sound of acts like STEELY DAN, TOTO, KENNY LOGGINS, LITTLE FEAT and more recently, YOUNG GUN SILVER FOX and SUPERB DB. Throw all these acts together, and you’re close to the MONKEY HOUSE sound.

 

 

Written by: Gabor Kleinbloesem

Ratings: Gabor   9/10