Welcome back, fellow monks! Autumn is here, the UK weather is cooler, and it's definitely looking more like what we are used to.

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In case you missed out, the alternative Rock/Metal duo F.C.K. re-released their EP "3" on the 11th September on major streaming platforms. So give it a try, if you're into music that challenges the system.

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This time round, I (Miguel) had trouble getting to Euston because the Victoria line had severe delays, which made me miss the train I had booked to Northampton...

Furthermore, due to the current shift in temperatures and seasonal change, we have been a bit sick with the flu; therefore, we decided to take it easy on Friday. We did catch up on our current situation, and we also listened to some music – Protomartyr's latest album "Hotel Usona" (one of the best albums of the year according to several music outlets) is a truly refreshing Alternative Punk/Rock body of work presented through hysterical guitars, polyrhythmic drum sections, and spoken-word-esque storytelling vocals.

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For the first and second sessions on Saturday (3rd October) and Sunday (4th October), respectively, we gave a proper last push towards the final arrangement of "LIFT", the next compilation.

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For the first monthly weekend session on Saturday, we focused on "CARE" and "WILL". On the "CARE" project, Nordi added his final vocal takes; we arranged one of the verses that wasn't quite gelling with the rest of the track, and a sample featuring a woman's speech at the Woodstock 69' festival was a meaningful addition to the whole message of the track.

For "WILL", there was some tempo refining and general cleanup of the mix. Nordi also added new vocal takes (with new lyrics) and colourful keys. Moreover, Stairstep joined an acoustic guitar riff to the bridge section, offering an additional emotional strength to the overall sound.

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For the last monthly weekend session on Sunday, we mostly worked on "FEELING". Stairstep faced a creative challenge recording ballad-type vocals for the verses, and Nordi did some general cleanup on the vocals for the chorus section. Additionally, Nordi added a consistent piano soundbed, and Stairstep re-recorded a couple of bass guitar riffs because the groove and dynamics in those sections weren't quite "in the pocket" as we initially wanted them to be.

Lastly, Nordi swiftly changed the panning on Stairstep's vocals on "PUNK" to hard left and hard right, respectively.

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Around 8:15 pm, Rafael dropped me off at Northampton's train station, where I took the train back to London.

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We should be back next month for another productive monthly weekend session. Until then, stay warm, healthy, and awake with F.C.K.'s "3".

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