ALBUM REVIEW: EUPHORIC THRILLER BY THE BEAUTIFUL MONUMENT
Reviewed by Cecilia Pattison-Levi
Release date 7 August 2026
Melbourne alternative rock band The Beautiful Monument are back. Their new album ‘Euphoric Thriller’, is an economically tight 10-song record that doesn’t waste time as the rock songs come on fast and strong. There is a 2010s theatrical rock vibe underscoring the songs that has that throwback feel and energetic drive: “it’s dangerous”, so “stay awhile” and listen – it’s worth it!
The album opens with the punchy heavy rocker ‘Game Over’, with Adam Pinzone’s drum beats driving the song. The bassline thrums of Amy McIntosh and big guitar riffs of Alex Manhire underpin the vocals of Lizi ‘Blanco’ McIntosh. The song’s message is a warning of an emotionally volatile person who needs to be “steered right” but does not follow, and the grief this brings in “making mama cry” as the “sudden game” of life is over. The following song about being “scared to disappoint” in ‘Mayday’. It has evocative harmonies under the mix that fuse excitement with something darker. The lyrics are about the fear of failing and “letting you down” as feelings of “jealousy” and “drowning” overwhelm. Then, ‘Dancing With The Buried’ slows a little before the huge vocals and rhythm section deliver a driving rock melody. The subject matter is dark, and confronting the harsh realities of domestic abuse and the emotional aftermath faced by victims who are not believed.
The Beautiful Monument change the soundscape for a short time with layered electronics and vocals in ‘CraveAnythingThatStays’. The song is a glossy pop-rock song that dazzles with its vocal hooks and gritty drums and guitars. The title track, ‘Euphoric Thriller’, has a sultry emotional edge as the lyrics explore the push-pull of a toxic relationship. The song builds its pressure through Amy McIntosh's bass playing as Adam Pinzone's drums punctuate the guitar riffs. The fast and furious ‘Cry About It’ takes a defiant stand against bigotry and entitlement. The electronic elements make the song exciting as the synths pulse underneath. The groovy drums, guitar riffs and heavier vocals deliver the drama and victory.
The album highlights are delivered in the next two songs. ‘Sorry’ is a downbeat pop-rock song with “bark” and “bite”, and the lyrics tell of “its unapologetically… it’s f**k yeah about me”. The lovely bassline melody with synths and great vocals complements the song so well. There are “no apologies” as “tired of playing nice” is the theme, as the vocals running through the synth give the song a perfect ending. The synths are prominent again on ‘Off Script’ as “all you’re gonna see” is “pretend”. The masquerade is “flipped like a switch” as the rock instrumentation takes over the song until it “all comes to an end”. The songs both question reality and pretence and are just so good.
The heavier rock drums cut back in as ‘Bring It’ starts with the band “trapped in the spotlight of blind truth” and the urgency of the “fight…if I have to”. The distorted vocals break into lyrical, softer bridges that punctuate the song’s rhythm and heighten the drama. Before the rock verses and chorus cut in with heavier instrumentation as “watch me slam it down” and the “unhinged” vocals cut in. The lyricism is about survival, with that haunting guitar riff echoing the sentiments of “I’ll survive”. The sombre piano chords of ‘See You On The Other Side’ close the album. The thoughts about “not coming home tonight” and “waiting for change” are ominous. The lyricism is about “a chance to make an alternative life” as “I’ll wait for you”. Does love win the day? “I pray…say hello to those who we have lost” on the other side.
The Beautiful Monument have delivered in ‘Euphoric Thriller’, a compelling and fascinating lyrical view of the world’s “darkest sins” and emotional wreckage set to great rock melodies. Bring it on!
