Monkey See

Websites:  No
Origin: London, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Monkey See were an ’80s rock band from London, Ontario, known locally for their polished AOR sound and tight musicianship. Their debut single, Life’s a Beach b/w Pressure (On Our Love), was released in 1988 on Auto Records and received significant airplay on London AM radio. The record captured a snapshot of the city’s vibrant late-’80s scene, standing out for its crisp production and radio-ready hooks.

The band featured David Rusland (lead and backing vocals), Bill Lamont (keyboards, backing vocals), Dave O’Leary (bass, backing vocals), Ted Lamont (guitars, backing vocals), and Bob Roy (drums, percussion). Their follow-up single, Living in Twilight, appeared later that same year, again produced by Peter Brennan and recorded at EMAC Studios, continuing their collaboration with engineer Joe Vaughan.

Nearly a decade later, Monkey See resurfaced with a self-titled CD in 1997 on Escape Music, expanding their sound with a more mature melodic rock approach. The album reaffirmed the group’s connection to London’s studio scene, featuring strong vocal work from Rusland and polished production by Brennan.

Keyboardist Bill Lamont was also active in other London projects, notably Gilded Cage, whose 1987 Auto Records single Last Time b/w A Feeling I Can’t Hide was produced by Peter Brennan and remains a sought-after local release.

Though information on the band remains limited, Monkey See’s recordings stand as enduring examples of London’s late-’80s independent rock spirit — melodic, professional, and proudly homegrown.
-Robert Williston

David Rusland: lead vocals, backing vocals
Bill Lamont: keyboards, backing vocals
Dave O'Leary: bass, backing vocals
Ted Lamont: guitars, backing vocals
Bob Roy: drums, percussion