Album Details

• Artist: Mono
• Album: Gone: A Collection Of Ep's 2000-2007
• Label: Temporary Residence
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2007-09-17

Mono are a world unto themselves. More vividly than most drone/metal bands, they create soundscapes that are powerful yet fragile, a whirlwind of invention that rocks hard yet has moments of soft beauty. "Gone" collects all the EP releases of the past seven or so years, and provides a solid overview of the band’s development musically and spiritually. Mono haven’t gotten the props they deserve over the years, due to competition from fellow Japanese heavyweights Boris, Acid Mothers Temple, Ghost, etc. But Mono belong in the ring. Kind of like Paik, they threaten to explode in a rage of noise just beneath those one and two chord drones, but decide against it and go for the higher road.

The result is gorgeous and hypnotic, with just enough edge to keep you from getting too comfortable. Like life, Mono could scare you at any minute, but keep the horror at bay most of the time. An essential release, and, though it is saying something, one of Temporary Residence’s best.

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