Catch Mono!

No, not the infamous “kissing” disease but the same-named band from Japan who are playing the Talking Head Club in Baltimore tonight. Oft described as the Japanese version of Mogwai – Mono are a high-density post-rock band that have developed their own unique stamp on the quiet-loud-quiet genre with the help of indie uber-producer Steve Albini.

I’ve been meaning to catch Mono for quite some time. In fact they’ve played in DC twice in two years and both times I’ve kicked myself for missing them. Perhaps it was fate though that requires me to make the trek to B’more tomorrow night. Not only are we going to get the chance to finally see Mono, we also have the luxury of seeing Bellini play as well.

The only thing Mono and Bellini have in common is they are both produced by Steve Albini. Otherwise where Mono is a big wall of sound post-rock band, Bellini are a super-tight precision math-rock unit. That’s right, math-rock lives! Gloriously embodied in the female fronted Bellini who do everything in their power to keep that obscured 90’s genre alive and kicking. The best description I can think of for Bellini are that they sound like Shellac with female vocals.

Now I know that had to have gotten at least one indie-rocker out there salivating.

Catch this great pairing of Albini alums tonight for $8 at the Talking Head.

Originally published on October 12, 2010.

This concert changed my life. Mono are one of the best live bands ever. Going to catch them next week for the 7th or 8th time!