Rook Monroe Redefines His Sound with Shape-Shifting EP, SLIM.
Rook Monroe
Rook Monroe is versatile and effortlessly shifts musical skins with ease. His new EP, SLIM., is a sharp display of his ability to transform with a microphone in hand, moving effortlessly through upbeat, intense pop songs, introspective ballads, and even rap tracks that disguise criticism as sarcasm.
Across eight songs, the producer, songwriter, rapper, and singer navigate the best of rap and pop, incorporating flashes of psychedelia, to immerse listeners in a rollercoaster of sounds that evoke feelings as diverse as his artistic vision.
The journey begins with the single ‘i don’t wanna be you’, a purposeful song that encourages the listener to find their own identity and individuality, thanks to its sharp lyrics and a soul-infused sound. As the rap stronghold of the collection, ‘Brrrt’ stands out, featuring two versions—the Sitcom Version and the Grunge Version—to showcase that the same ingredients can lead to entirely different outcomes:
‘Fever’, another recently-released single from the EP, is a light, smooth, and psychedelic track that flows with almost perfect softness. Set against the other tracks on the record, ‘Fever’ feels like an attempt to shake things up, completely break the mold, and surprise the audience:
‘Mugshot’ is another surprising moment on SLIM.. Here, Rook lets his guard down and leans into a brighter, more playful sound, where the synthesizers shine like beacons on a night-time highway. The track reflects on public exposure, the tension between what is shown and what truly lies beneath the skin, and it does so with a melody that hooks from the very first bar.
‘Polaroid’ captures the fleeting spirit of memories in something instant, melodic, and filled with images that feel suspended in time. By contrast, ‘in my feelings’ slows the pace, offering a confessional tone that pulls the listener into an emotional ebb and flow, revealing Rook’s ability to tell stories from vulnerability without losing his edge. ‘Space Freaks 3’, meanwhile, opens a more experimental window where electronic and alternative influences coexist.
Rook Monroe’s versatility is the result of a creative journey that began in Chicago and led him to Los Angeles. In LA, Rook established his reputation as a songwriter and producer for artists such as Rihanna, The Chainsmokers, Aminé, and Jeremih.
With his formula and trajectory, it’s no surprise that SLIM. propels Rook Monroe forward. It’s a record dressed in originality and vulnerability, one which promises to break into playlists with a cocktail of genres and sounds that merge naturally and shine brightly.