One Step More and You Die
Japenese post-rock outfit Mono are one of those bands that seem to be effortlessly good at what they do. Admittedly they don't make grand gestures or mix things up on every release, but what they do they do exceptionally well and they keep on polishing, making their chosen sound as good as it can be. 'One Step More and you Die', their 2003 sophomore album, illustrates clearly that they've always had something special about them. More recently the band have found favour with their use of orchestral parts as heard on the incredible 'You Are There' album (and outtakes) but this record is where they really started to dip their toe into orchestral waters. Take 'Loco Tracks' for example, which begins simply enough with a Mogwai-esque guitar rattle and pulsing and slowcore percussion. Before long haunting strings are brought in and add a whole new dimension to the music. There is no doubt that Mono have been influenced by the dazzle of the silver screen in their time, and the entire album sounds like it could slide in perfectly alongside some kind of melancholy American movie. From the crackling lo-fi hum of 'Mopish Morning, Halation Wiper' to the backwards drone of 'Giant Me on the Other Side' there is a sense that Mono view their music in widescreen, the result being an emotionally involving, at all times absorbing listen. Highly recommended.
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Japenese post-rock outfit Mono are one of those bands that seem to be effortlessly good at what they do. Admittedly they don't make grand gestures or mix things up on every release, but what they do they do exceptionally well and they keep on polishing, making their chosen sound as good as it can be. 'One Step More and you Die', their 2003 sophomore album, illustrates clearly that they've always had something special about them. More recently the band have found favour with their use of orchestral parts as heard on the incredible 'You Are There' album (and outtakes) but this record is where they really started to dip their toe into orchestral waters. Take 'Loco Tracks' for example, which begins simply enough with a Mogwai-esque guitar rattle and pulsing and slowcore percussion. Before long haunting strings are brought in and add a whole new dimension to the music. There is no doubt that Mono have been influenced by the dazzle of the silver screen in their time, and the entire album sounds like it could slide in perfectly alongside some kind of melancholy American movie. From the crackling lo-fi hum of 'Mopish Morning, Halation Wiper' to the backwards drone of 'Giant Me on the Other Side' there is a sense that Mono view their music in widescreen, the result being an emotionally involving, at all times absorbing listen. Highly recommended.
Japenese post-rock outfit Mono are one of those bands that seem to be effortlessly good at what they do. Admittedly they don't make grand gestures or mix things up on every release, but what they do they do exceptionally well and they keep on polishing, making their chosen sound as good as it can be. 'One Step More and you Die', their 2003 sophomore album, illustrates clearly that they've always had something special about them. More recently the band have found favour with their use of orchestral parts as heard on the incredible 'You Are There' album (and outtakes) but this record is where they really started to dip their toe into orchestral waters. Take 'Loco Tracks' for example, which begins simply enough with a Mogwai-esque guitar rattle and pulsing and slowcore percussion. Before long haunting strings are brought in and add a whole new dimension to the music. There is no doubt that Mono have been influenced by the dazzle of the silver screen in their time, and the entire album sounds like it could slide in perfectly alongside some kind of melancholy American movie. From the crackling lo-fi hum of 'Mopish Morning, Halation Wiper' to the backwards drone of 'Giant Me on the Other Side' there is a sense that Mono view their music in widescreen, the result being an emotionally involving, at all times absorbing listen. Highly recommended.
Japenese post-rock outfit Mono are one of those bands that seem to be effortlessly good at what they do. Admittedly they don't make grand gestures or mix things up on every release, but what they do they do exceptionally well and they keep on polishing, making their chosen sound as good as it can be. 'One Step More and you Die', their 2003 sophomore album, illustrates clearly that they've always had something special about them. More recently the band have found favour with their use of orchestral parts as heard on the incredible 'You Are There' album (and outtakes) but this record is where they really started to dip their toe into orchestral waters. Take 'Loco Tracks' for example, which begins simply enough with a Mogwai-esque guitar rattle and pulsing and slowcore percussion. Before long haunting strings are brought in and add a whole new dimension to the music. There is no doubt that Mono have been influenced by the dazzle of the silver screen in their time, and the entire album sounds like it could slide in perfectly alongside some kind of melancholy American movie. From the crackling lo-fi hum of 'Mopish Morning, Halation Wiper' to the backwards drone of 'Giant Me on the Other Side' there is a sense that Mono view their music in widescreen, the result being an emotionally involving, at all times absorbing listen. Highly recommended.