A lot has changed for Rare Monk over the last few years. Their very first release, the Death By Proxy EP back in 2013, dotted them on Portland's indie rock map, with 2015's self titled EP locking them in place. But as with any classic band story, things got a bit iffy for the Rare Monk in the months to come. They've reached a point now where that iffiness has turned into a stable, fully developed sound that fits the band perfectly.

Rare Monk's most advantageous change came along with their shifted lineup. What started out at a 5-piece with an entirely different guitarist and violinist has now become a 4-piece focusing more on expansive guitar lines and complimenting harmonies thanks to the addition of lead guitarist/vocalist Hugh Jepson.

Along with Dorian Aites (vox, violin, keys, guitar), Rick Buhr on drums and Forest Gallien on bass, the foursome have based their summer release No Future on the lack of control humans have over their personal and collective futures. It's experimental indie rock with a dystopian base that's all sorts of enjoyable for how poignant its theme is.

See Rare Monk perform No Future tomorrow at Bunk Bar for a show they're playing with New York trio Wilsen. 

Thanks a bunch to all the artists who submitted music for consideration in The Deli's Best of Portland Year End Poll for Emerging Artists!

Honorable Mentions (ranked above 6.5): 

Dead Men Talking, Nature Thief, Dirty Revival, Sabonis, Cedar Teeth, Jeff True Jones.

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WHAT’S NEXT: These results conclude the first phase of the 2015 poll. Soon, I will name the artists selected by Portland's local jurors and then all you readers will influence the poll with your vote.

Thanks for reading and participating! Stay tuned!

—Cervante Pope, The Deli Portland Editor

I was excited to see so many local bands that I love had submitted their music to be reviewed for our Year End Poll (see right), but what excited me even more was seeing who came out on top once the reviewing process was over (see here for more details on the reviewing process). The post-indie stylings of Rare Monk, hook driven songs written by Just Lions, progressive musical experiments conducted by Sama Dams and the dreamscapes that only Soft Shadows can create deserve inclusion in our Best of 2013 list as much as any band nominated by our jurors. Be sure to check these bands out and vote for your favorites here. - Benjamin Toledo