Mono @ The Great American Music Hall

I was really excited to see Mono. Not because they share the same name as our little company over here, but because they really inspire me. One thing I did know, that they were going to be bloody loud. 120db? No problem. I had my earplugs ready to sit in with their sound check. Once they kicked it into full band it sure was deafening. But in a good way. I knew there would be hipsters all up in the front row without their earplugs, and I was correct. I saw a few head checks during their set, but man everyone was just way into the deep orchestrating. I use that term orchestral to describe Mono because their classical influence can be heard. It is obvious they structure their songs in the same vain as a composer would with peaks and valleys of crescendo and diminuendo's. Every song has a height that builds to sonic glory, with Taka and Yoda shoegazing their way through multiple delays and oscillating pedals. At one point during the performance you could see Taka using his guitar as a shield against the amp as his body provided a barrier of sorts bridging the gap from guitar and effects.



Tamaki who plays bass as well as keyboard provides the deep roots of the band. Her playing is so delicate as you see her swaying to an untimed beat keeping this nice pocket that allows Yoda and Taka to follow the rhythm while Yasunori (drums) waits to creep in. Yoda compliments Taka's playing very well. He starts a lot of the songs providing a layer of support and often times melody.





Taka really drives the bands direction. You can tell that each note was well thought out, there is no wasted playing. Often times he will double the notes with an octave to enhance the presence of the songs melody. I don't get a sense of over technical playing when I listen to Mono, there is more art in their music. This is a very special band.