Post-rock band MONO stopped in Taipei for the first date of their brief Taiwan tour.
Two weeks after MUCC's explosive concert, it is MONO's turn to take over the Wall's stage. While there are still day tickets available, the show is basically sold-out, judging by the very dense crowd gathering inside the venue.The group is a post-rock quartet that creates instrumental pieces with a global sound. For those who know only a little about MONO, it might be surprising to witness such a buzz around this instrumental band. And the fact that a significant number of foreigners made the trip for this show is even more impressive.
At the very start of the show, the truth strikes us in all its glory: Ashes in the snow is just pure magic both musically and performance-wise, with its play of light, steam, and also the performers' attitude on stage, conveying a particular atmosphere of epic despair and melancholy. And the song's explosion literally gives goosebumps, despite the sound system which is not at its best tonight.
Burial at sea is also a perfect example of MONO's music style: a quiet start that progresses in a crescendo to suddenly detonate like a storm of emotions. Taka's guitar exploding with the song is a bonus as he rolls on the floor as though in endless pain. Pure as snow is similar but even more beautiful, with a touch of romance that could drive one toward tears.
Of course, MONO can easily be blamed for having the same pattern in most of their songs, as described earlier, and this may leave some people bored in the long run. Indeed, a few young members of the audience were seen checking their phones, or even taking a nap right in the middle of the band's set! After-effects of mid-terms week or real boredom? We will never know.
The lack of communication between the band and the audience could be another reason for this relative boredom. Even though MONO's members are obviously happy to be here as they greet the crowd a few times, the band hardly communicates with the fans at all, instead just going about their own set. But on the other hand, as mentioned earlier, MONO is not like any other rock band. They are an instrumental band and their songs convey a kind of surrealism to their listeners, opening doors to the imaginary world they create. Hence talking might actually just break the magic, as the music speaks for itself.
And it seems like most of the audience present tonight can agree with that statement. Indeed, despite being incredibly quiet during the whole live, the majority of the audience really enjoyed it, applauding and screaming at the very first notes of Moonlight, which was probably the best way to end a concert. It was genuinely beautiful and gave everyone chills. Showing further proof of MONO's success, the merchandise stall set up outside the hall was all cleaned out after the live, with CDs leaving the stall in bundles.
MONO's music is not mainstream and may find difficulty appealing to the masses, especially to youngsters. That said, it was definitely a very interesting live experience and worth going to at least once to really feel their music. So, if MONO is in your town and you have yet to see them, do not hesitate.
Set list:
1. Ashes in the wind
2. Follow the map
3. Burial at sea
4. Pure as snow
5. Sabbath
6. Yearning
7. Halcyon
8. Moonlight
