MONOGEM's "Stay With Me" Is the Perfect Way to Ease Back Into the Workweek

Photo by Shervin Lainez

I can’t take away the fact that it’s Monday morning, but I can make the day a little more bearable with the announcement that synth-pop duo MONOGEM are releasing their self-titled debut album this coming January. And today brings the first taste of it, "Stay With Me," co-written by Adam Luthram, who’s produced for Rhye and Young The Giant.

The track isn't to be confused with megastar crooner Sam Smith’s heart wrenching hit of the same name that's likely soundtracked many one-night stands fueled by $5 convenience store wine—though both songs have insanely sweet appeals for companionship. MONOGEM’s take on it, however, is less gospel and more understated with Jen Hirsh's ethereal vocals, swinging between fragile whispers and forceful poignancy, set to pensive synths and slow-building percussion.

Hirsh says the song “was inspired by that magnetic love that tends to hit you like a bus. While penning the song, I imagined myself swimming around in the neon glowing plankton in the best scene of one of my favorite movies, The Beach.”

It's a new, more radio-friendly direction for the LA-based group who've veered towards eclectic 80s pop in their past with funk-tinged tracks like “The Glow” and “Wait and See.”

Sit back and zone out to the distant yet sunny track, and remember that it’ll be the end of this god-forsaken day before you know it.

Mathias Rosenzweig hasn't yet recovered from last week's three-day weekend. He's on Twitter - @lil_nervous.