Chris Simonetta, the mastermind behind the intriguing alter ego of cmon3tta, has been carving out a unique space in the music scene since 1998. With the release of ‘cmonov3r 1’, the first of two EPs preceding his full album in January 2026, cmon3tta offers a tantalising glimpse into his current sonic explorations.
True to what we’ve come to know about cmon3tta, ‘cmonov3r 1’ is a vibrant, often surprising journey through diverse musical landscapes. It’s an eclectic, constantly changing mix heavily influenced by bitpop, Indian, and even a touch of dup-step. Through the five tracks, cmon3tta continues to explore ideas and realms, taking charge of his music to create something that is true and uncompromising in its creativity.
Kicking things off is ‘My Self-Referential Sh!t’, a track born from cmon3tta’s playful defiance of critics who lament his shift from traditional singing. He describes it as a "tongue-in-cheek take down of the criticism I've received." True to his word, the song bursts forth with an almost overwhelmingly cheerful digital energy, its bright tones and lilting pop aesthetics acting as a sugary coating for the crisp, effects-laden vocals. It's bold, unapologetic, and undeniably catchy.
Next up, ‘Music From A Downtown Office’ takes a different turn, digging into the mundane reality of a 9-5 job. cmon3tta’s intention was to write a dubstep-heavy track from the office's perspective, and the result is a surprisingly emotive, yet rhythmically compelling piece. Lyrics like “we’re kind like librarians, working and shushing folks” and “we’re not the type to fire the first Nerf gun at any party, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get down and guzzle some Bacardi” fly in the face of the nuanced tones and building beats, adding a relatable, wry humour to the dazzling tones.
A sudden, but almost welcome shift arrives with ‘Becuz of You (Live)’. This track, written on a banjolele gifted by his spouse, serves as an "homage to my more singer/songwriter days." It’s a raw, swirling acoustic offering that provides a moment of genuine heart and quiet harmony amidst the EP’s digital flourishes, showing cmon3tta’s versatility and emotional depth is still as strong as ever.
The energy then picks up again with ‘I Don’t Wanna Go’, a collaboration built on driving drum line rhythms. cmon3tta, a self-professed homebody, explains that the song is, fittingly, "about not wanting to go out." It's an infectious anthem of introversion, with quick-stepping beats, hand claps, stomps, and chants that push forward with relentless, never-settling energy. It’s a song that feels built to inspire singalong moments and rousing, ‘happy at home’ moments.
Finally, the EP concludes with ‘Whispers On The Rim’, a sparse instrumental born from Simonetta's love for Indian instrumentation and written on the tabla drums. It stands in stark contrast to the preceding tracks, offering a moment of quiet reflection as isolated tabla sounds slowly fade into darkness. It’s an intriguing, almost meditative closer that showcases the breadth of cmon3tta's musical palette.
‘cmonov3r 1’ is a compelling introduction to cmon3tta’s world, a vibrant tapestry woven from disparate musical threads. Simonetta’s willingness to experiment, coupled with his sharp lyrical wit and impressive studio wizardry, makes for a truly original and highly enjoyable listen. This EP isn't just a collection of songs; it’s a statement of artistic intent, promising even more exciting things to come from this innovative artist.
For more from cmon3tta, be sure to head over to Spotify and Apple Music.
