When the Ontario-based quartet Tokyo Police Club exploded onto the U.S. scene in 2007, a lot of people were skeptical. A smart, fashionable rock band with pop hooks that was playing major festivals and appearing on television well before their debut full-length was released? C’mon, there had to be a catch.
Yet three charting full-lengths – including last year’s excellent “Forcefield” – have followed since then, along with critical accolades. In turn, it can be determined that Tokyo Police Club remains a group with a bright future ahead.
With TPC on a brief hiatus, on June 16th, vocalist/bassist and recent Brooklyn transplant Dave Monks is releasing his debut solo effort, “All Signs Point To Yes.” Dave will be at The Mercury Lounge – a venue that holds great significance to him, as noted below — on the day of the EP’s release. Dave took a moment to answer some questions about his past, present and future as both an individual and a member of TPC.
Photo: Courtesy of mtv.com
What should a fan of Tokyo Police Club expect from your upcoming show at The Mercury Lounge?
Dave Monks: I’m definitely going to be having a good time playing “ASPTY” and some really new ones, so expect that. And also a few TPC oldies/weirdies thrown in for good measure. Since it’s where we made our NYC/USA debut on May 1st, 2006.
Is “All Signs Point To Yes” slated to be a one-off? Or do you foresee more solo activity whenever the Police Club goes on-hiatus?
D: “ASPTY” is a snapshot of my ever-expanding top-secret non-TPC song database. There will be more and more and more. Really looking forward to keeping this project rolling alongside TPC for as long as humanly possible without going insane.
What do you wish more people knew about you?
D: That I have no desire to play cover songs at a campfire/party.
On Twitter this week, you said that as long as you have coffee, alcohol and avocado on everything, that you’re “totally easy-going and chill.” Being a recent New York transplant, where are your ideal spots to indulge in these things?
D: Ha, nice. Pedlar Café (210 Court Street, Brooklyn) is the King of Drip but Van Leeuwen lures me to the dark side with Espresso Affogato. Henry Public (329 Henry Street, Brooklyn) has the martinis, if that’s your style, and Corner Bistro (331 West 4th Street, Manhattan) is the best burger but they’ll probably kick you out if you ask for avocado.
What is the best part for you about living in New York?
D: The chatty people.
Solo career aside, what’s ahead for you for the rest of 2015?
D: TPC has tunes brewing up and I’m going to my homeland, Ireland, for my cousin’s wedding in October! (apostrophe placed with care)
-by Darren Paltrowitz
