Monotonix

This Israeli garage-punk trio's live show -- an orgy of unhinged, id-driven frontman behavior, amps on the verge of collapse, and the occasional flaming drum kit -- doesn't lend itself to studio constraints. Here, though, Monotonix find a sympathetic producer in Tim Green of the Fucking Champs, who pushes their White Stripes–via–Blue Cheer fuzz licks to the fore and leaves this six-song EP sounding like a collection of fiery first takes. You won't get the terror and stink of a live gig, of course, but you'll get the point.

By Aaron Burgess