MONO

The Japanese band celebrate their 10th anniversary with an momentous concert in New York City, complete with 24-piece orchestra.

The Good: This is essential listening for all fans of the band. The set-list borrows heavily from their most recent studio effort "Hymn to the Immortal Wind" including my personal favourites Ashes in the Snow, Everlasting Light and Pure as Snow. There are also additions from "Walking Cloud and Deep Red Sky, Flag Fluttered and the Sun Shined", "You Are There" and their 2001 debut, "Under the Pipal Tree". The live recording and orchestral contribution does exactly what is should, revitalises tracks which I had previously overlooked in their studio setting and a brings a fuller, more energized sound that spans the entire release. In short, it makes the nondescript noteworthy, and the excellent outstanding. It turns snowstorms into blizzards, and tremolo rainfall into a sonic deluge.

The Bad: Like all Mono the sound and song structure is pretty much identical throughout, with maybe a hint of variation during the shorter tracks. It's basically just the same piece of clay, moulded into slightly different shapes.

The Verdict: An excellent addition to any post-rock collection.

I understand all the hype and why people enjoy it but I just can't bond with it, as it doesn't give me the feeling other post-rock albums give me. It follows in the way of old PR such as Godspeed and Sigur Ros, and even brings in use of new things like large orchestras and some Japanese melodies, but it fails to ignite a spark in my mind, even after multiple listens.

Most songs are long, and IMO even a bit too long for them to be actually considered interesting, also since they do not contain interesting climaxes or so called "beautiful" chord sequences. In the eyes of certain people this can be a masterpiece but in the eyes of others it can be a plain old, repetitive, dull album. I am neither of those but I just can't see what others see about this album.

I am not saying this album does not have its moments, such as Pure as Snow, or Follow the Map, but the other songs just feel a bit too long, and dull.

Overall, I give this album three stars. It's okay, it's not essential, but many people consider it to be a masterpiece and as other reviews suggest I am the only one who does not really like this album, so I must take the other people's thoughts into consideration.

This conceptual love story marks the 10th anniversary of Japanese post-rock group Mono.

The Good: The opening track is more epic than a herd of elephants riding segways! Just listening to it makes me feel like a wounded war hero, returning home to the prospect of hot showers, soft beds, and perhaps even a medal of valor. Everlasting Light is equally good and 'the other snow one' come in a close third. The album's overall sound is almost as beautiful as its artwork, which also draws parallels to the sonic deluge that is characteristic throughout.

The Bad: As their name might suggest, the musical approach can be a bit one-dimensional at times, with drawn out crescendos becoming a little too formulaic. I didn't find the album's two shorter tracks to be that engaging and whilst I really, really wanted to enjoy The Battle to Heaven for the celestial imagery its title suggests, I think Queue to the Supermarket Checkout would have been more appropriate.

The Verdict: A dish best served in the pouring rain.

Recommended for fans inclined to classical music and fine ears.