ONE STEP MORE AND YOU DIE

Mono is Japan's answer to the GYBEs and Mogwais of the Western-European continent. Not being a specialist in neither post-rock nor the Japanese music scene, I can't judge the originality and artistic credentials of Mono, but I sure do hear wonderfully composed and emotionally charged post-rock on this album.

The party kicks off with Where I Am, a deceivingly gentle piece of hesitant guitar picking, rich in atmosphere and an excellent prelude to the epic Com(?) monster. It's the cornerstone of the album and an excellent showcase for the band's knack to vary moody melodic music with wildly soaring stoner rock and noisy climaxes. Their heavier parts are actually more reminiscent of Kyuss then of any other post-rock band, which may be a satisfying explanation why I like the album so much. Mono keeps going back and forth between dreamy sadness and heavy noise rock, with Sabbath, A Speeding Cars and Halo as further highlights.

Beautifully textured, emotive and powerful music that flows very naturally. Not too much noodling and no pretence. Tastes like more!