Based in Tunbridge Wells, UK Monica and The Explosion is a two- piece band consisting of Monica Welander, a Swedish punk rock singer songwriter and bassist Paul Slack (original member of the UK subs and The Flying Padovanis).

In July 2010 and joined by drummer Rob Baylis (Dun 2 Def and The Destructors) they released her second album “SHUT UP!” (Hands Up Music) recorded at Jigsaw Studios Peterborough, UK, April-May 2010.

In the short time since the album was recorded the duo has completed tours in Europe, Ireland, Sweden and Australia as well as gigging extensively around the UK. Having toured around the world as a solo artist for a couple of years Monica finds the two-piece line-up retains the original concept of the songs whilst adding a new layer of complexity to the over all sound best described as ”jukebox punk”.

Although primarily a two-piece they can sometimes be seen performing with drummer JP Morer, but whatever the line-up the songs are always delivered with a heartfelt passion that has won them fans wherever they’ve played.

Monica and The Explosion started in 2005 when Monica left her old band "Lots of Pilots" to focus on writing and performing solo. Her music was described as punky rock with a lot of energy. The debut album "Monica and The Explosion" was released in 2007 on her own label, backed by Peppe Risenberg on drums and David Persson on bass. The three of them played together in Sweden for a while before Monica went touring on her own.

The unusual girl playing energetic punk rock on her acoustic guitar awoke interest all around the world. In 2008 - 2010 she went on tour solo around Europe, India, Australia, New Zealand, and The U.S. Two music videos are released from the debut album: "Hollywood" (2007), and "Friday Night"(2008), both produced by Daniel Larsson.

Reviews:

Big Cheese Magazine, sep 2010
"Monica Welander has some serious attitude but is cool as hell too. Armed with an acoustic guitar that she pounds the hell out of, this is acoustic punk at its most fiery and personal...Recruiting UK Subs bassist Paul Slack, she's recorded her honest album, the aptly titled "Shut Up!" Wlander pulls off the Joan Jett, "I-don't-give-a-damn sort of sassiness without any hint of contrivance..."

Jane Connolly in SO Tunbridge Wells, Sep. 2011
"Shut Up!- Monica and The Explosion.
Female singers seem to be taking over the world right now, but if you want a break from the power ballads and quirky pop tracks, do not miss this feisty local musician. Strongly flavoured with classic British punk, Monica Welander - a Swede now based in Tunbridge Wells - is not so much a breath of fresh air, as a force-10 gale of honest, funny lyrics and insanely catchy tunes. She doesn't mince her words, with tracks like Intoxicated summing up Saturday night romance in blunt and witty style, while the opener Take it Or Leave Me has toes tapping from the very first bar. Any album that can put Culture Vulture in a good mood on Monday morning deserves the highest recommendation."

Michael Bednar in Big Cheese Review, July 2010
Monica and the Explosion – Shut Up!
Sassy Swede + Paul Slack + acoustic punk = jolly good time.
Acoustic punk? From Sweden? With the bassist of punk rock legends U.K. Subs? It may sound like a gimmick, but one listen to the album and any of those notions are soon dispelled.
Monica Welander is the front-woman of this three-piece band, and she’s got enough sass to pull the album together. Songs like “Take It Or Leave Me” and “Shut Up” are fiery musings with a little bit of Joan Jett attitude thrown in. The album might be a little rough at the edges but that only adds to it’s charm. Let it explode out of your stereo and enjoy!


Tuva Klinthäll in Smålandsposten, July 2010
"...Shut up is a record that makes your legs wanna move to use that expression, with a voice that is close to Patti Smiths and sassy lyrics Monica Welander is a well needed energy injection in a sometimes too flat music scene."


Peter Charles, Purple Revolver, from Rebellion Festival, 16.8.10
"...Several yards from the exit, the dulcet tones of a blonde Swedish siren promptly haul us back into the Arena by the scruff of the neck. This is Monica and the Explosion, which consists of said Swede on acoustic guitar, a drummer and Paul Slack of the UK Subs on bass. It’s nothing flashy, just rythmic Americana country done well, with maximum drawl and plenty of punk attitude. No flies on this one. ..."