Return to Mono

Almost exactly nine years ago heavy instrumentalists Pelican rolled through town and played a set at Barrymore's. Also on the bill, slightly less volume-centric Japanese combo Mono. They put on quite a good show then, and nine years later I dare say they sounded even better at Ritual. I wasn't sure how many people they'd attract to a Monday night show in Ottawa, but the turnout was really good. For this show, Holly Hunt provided the loud - and in a generous dose, too. Well, what do you expect from a band with roots in Floor and Cavity? Here's percussionist Beatriz Monteavaro.



And guitarist Gavin Perry, with his Hi-wattage.



Beatriz hits!



Feedback action!



Bonus Beatriz!



The whole lot!



More Gavin!



Unfortunately Gavin's 100-watt head expired, leaving him with a mere 200.



Mono certainly manage to move around a bit considering three-quarters of the membership spends most of the time sitting down. They have a real knack for dynamics and everything sounded really sharp. Here's mainman Taka Goto and drummer Yasunori.



And here's the other half, guitarist Yoda and bassist/pianist Tamaki..



Yasunori hits!



Sorry, no good Yoda photos this time around.



Singular action!



Hair-swinging action!



And so on!



Tamaki takes a spin on the piano. I suppose this shot of Yoda's not too shabby either.



Gong action!



The whole lot!



Crescendo action!



Floor time!



Then I headed back to the bar so I didn't have to hear the entire set while my hair was being playfully tousled by the speaker stack stage left.