Monsterland

Monsterland was an indie rock band based out of Connecticut. Often compared to Tumbleweed or the Pooh Sticks, Monsterland has earned the humorous and possibly true moniker "Best Band From Danbury." In 1994, Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore predicted that "Danbury is going to be the next Seattle." There was a large group of indie acts and the scene was very active. Monsterland was one of the most successful bands from the scene that never reached its potential (or notoriety). The band included members Thom Monahan, Todd Cronin, and Greg Vegas. They released their first single in 1991 (Nobody Loves You/Used to Smile on Threshold) followed by Get Out of My Head/Plastic Vegas Hate Fuck on Rockville. In 1993, Monsterland released their only full-length, Destroy What You Love, on Seed Records which had a distribution deal with Atlantic Records. That affinity led to a tour with Madder Rose, and though their musical styles are significantly different, Madder Rose is the group Monsterland gets mentioned with often. 1993 also saw the release of the popular Loser Friendly [EP] which was produced by Ultra Vivid Scene's Kurt Ralske. Monsterland's song often had funny titles like "Jane Wiedlin Used to Be a Go-Go As Far As We Know," "Bursitis," and "Chewbacca." Thom Monahan is currently a member of the alt country chamber pop band the Pernice Brothers whose debut, Overcome By Happiness, was released by Sub Pop in 1998. He has played guitar and produced some of the band's new material. Monahan and Greg Vegas also contributed to the collective Bunnybrains. Vegas contributed tenor sax to the "'free improv rock/fake jazz band" Hat City Intuitive. The band takes its name from Danbury's nickname "The Hat City" after an old Stetson factory that has since closed. ~ JT Griffith, All Music Guide