Mono Live in KL

Despite being a very niche genre, post-rock music is enjoying a healthy run this year. Texan band Explosions in the Sky blew the roof off Ruums when they were here in February without even singing a verse. Perhaps boosted by the response that the band enjoyed, Soundscape Records are bringing down Japanese post-rock band Mono this month.

The eight-year-old band comprises of members Tamaki Kunishi, Takaakira Goto, Yoda and Yasunori Takada. Lauded for their lush, dramatic and multi-layered sounds, the band received early recognition when they released their 2001 debut album Under the Pipal Tree under Tzadik Records, the label owned by jazz musician John Zorn and famous for its specialization in avant-garde and experimental music.

Currently, the band has put out four albums with the latest being 2006’s You Are There. As a live act, Mono has toured endlessly across the world and has said in interviews that whenever they do, promotion takes a back seat to getting up-close and personal with their fans. So who knows, prepare for a meet-and-greet perhaps after their show and get them to sign some merchandise. Speaking of which, you can also find exclusive Mono t-shirts and other merch on sale during their show. We strongly suggest you get there early to grab them before it’s gone as they’re highly coveted and can sell out within minutes. If you head to their official website, you’ll find that nearly every product in their shop is unavailable.

With even filmmaker Cameron Crowe counting himself as a fan (they are signed to his Vinyl Films label), Mono is a quality act that you should definitely catch, regardless of whether you’re a post-rock enthusiast or just a regular music fan.

Text Sarah Chan