South Essex five-piece Trash Monroe were one of the first bands ever featured in Noisy fanzine, and after much gigging, recording and one or two line-up adjustments, the band are still rocking stages across Essex and London on a regular basis. Below is an extract from an interview with lead singer Melany Dantes in 2005 (first published in our first issue), preceded by an edited extract of a review of the band's third release, 2008's Batesian Mimicry, taken from issue six of Noisy.

“The rate at which Southend's Trash Monroe knock out new material is phenomenal - pitch up at any gig nowadays and chances are the set will consist of any number of amazing new tracks ready to hypnotise you with their beauty and ability to rock in equal measure, their latest CD, therefore, serves as a snapshot of the goth/rock band's output over the past 18 months or so, making up a valuable part of what's turning out to be an incredible back catalogue.
The band’s more recent material simply crackles with energy meaning the record really gathers pace towards the end – the frenzied ‘Sinergie’ and building live set closer ‘Venus Envy’ both manage to marry catchy melodies with heavy riffs, the latter positively spitting bile whilst whispering sweet nothings in every line ('I hate you so much/maybe we should fuck') appropriately closes the latest chapter of what will hopefully be a very long story for this incredible five-piece.”

How would you describe Trash Monroe's music to someone who hasn't heard you before?
Melany: I always say it's melodic rock, but it's got more of a punk edge to it and also it's a bit heavier than rock so it's very difficult to pin it down. I couldn't answer that - I would have to say come and see us to find out, I suppose!
Some of your lyrics are really personal - they seem to be really influenced by personal relationships, is that where you get most of your inspiration for songs?
I always write about what I've been through rather than something I don't know much about, because I think if you write about your personal experiences then in years to come that song will always mean something to you whereas if you write about someone else's experience it probably won't mean as much to you. I do just generally go from experiences I've had and relationships I've had and hope that people will relate to it in some way.

For up-to-date news, visit Trash Monroe's myspace page. There are many clips of live performances on the band's official youtube channel. July 2008 sees the band perform at the Cambridge Rock Festival and support The Wolfmen at London's 333 club.
Issue one of Noisy fanzine is now sold out, however issue 6, featuring the full review of Batesian Mimicry is still available to purchase here.
Above photo of Melany onstage taken by Shadow Lord.

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