Within moments of the four members of Mono taking the stage, the distant crackling static that introduces Ashes In The Snow fills the London Scala. Hairs stand on end and every set of pupils is fixed on these shy, tour hungry, Japanese post-rock titans. The hauntingly mellow nature of Mono's music makes for a soothing, almost trance like live spectacle. Legs are left lethargic after standing for such slow moving music, but this just adds to the dreamlike imagery Mono produces. Some audience members pump fists and gyrate widly, whilst others stare into space, preferring to let the sometimes brutal, sometimes beautiful sounds sweep over them like a blanket. The heavier parts of Mono's set sound like they could shatter bricks through sheer volume. This is a stark contrast from tranqiul guitar meanderings, most heart achingly active in Yearning and Ashes In The Snow.
Mystery and intrigue surrounds live music such as this and the muted stage presence here mirrors this. Mono do not need to literally jump through hoops on stage due to the overwhelming power of their arsenal. Lead guitarist Takaakira Goto cuts an enigmatic picture and plays head bowed with his perfectly sculpted, black locks obscuring his face. Goto is the most energetic of the band and thrusts around perched in his stool, kicking this over at points. Every heart in the Scala is penetrated deeply by Mono's music and their respect of the band's quieter movements is admirable as an epic, deathly hush is brushed over the venue during these parts. Another touching part of Mono's live demeanour is there almost embarassing modesty. After these earth-shattering, painfully emotive compositions, Mono simply bow and offer sheepish waves to their admirers in the crowd. It is almost like a religious experience, there is no fancy stage antics here, no scene attire, this is live music which is dripping with purity and angelic melancholy. Unlike the smoke machine and lights which begin to rise, Mono's live performance defeats the elements and threads itseld within your life forever. You don't just watch Mono, you feel Mono.
By Ally Hendrie
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