Mono, El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles

If aural beauty could be distilled from noise and melody there you would find Mono, the instrumental post-rock foursome from Japan. Touching down at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, Mono's sound was polished and delivery passionate. Fronting this effort was lead guitarist Taka Goto & bassist Tamaki Kunishi; while Yasunori Takada played drums and shiny gong, and Yoda provided otherworldly guitar sound-scapes in the background.

Raison d'être for this live treat was Mono's extensive 31 date US tour, in support of their latest release "Holy Ground"; a live record recorded in NYC with orchestral backing. Bathed in blue light, the band oscillated visually between being shown in silhouette and subtle theatrical light. They treated the audience of the El Rey to well over an hour of ear candy, riding the waves of melodic guitar feedback. Their performance sometimes resembled a rock/post-rock concert, and sometimes seemed as eloquently presented as a recital; the likes of which would be worthy of the Royal Albert Hall.

Mono's sound-scapes were an instrumental cross between Mogwai and Slowdive; reminiscent at times of darkwave luminaries This Ascension, and at other times of alternative legends Sonic Youth. In love with the beauty and emotion of every note, Mono played an introspective set; the kind that invokes memories yet unrealized - the warmth by a cafe fireplace, listening as the rain come down...

Even if you are unfamiliar with Mono, check them out and let yourself get lost in the sounds washing over you.

Clovis IV