Mono @ Left Bank Leeds

The Tokyo, Japan based 4-piece Instrumental rock band MONO was originally formed in 1999. Their unique approach of blending orchestral arrangements and shoegaze guitar noise in their music has been held in extremely high regard; so much so, that the band’s musicianship can no longer be sustained by rock music alone and was praised by British musical institution NME as "music for the Gods". One of the most monumental live memories of the band was a special set of shows with a 23-piece orchestra in New York, Tokyo, London and Melbourne.

 

Their annual world tour consists of around 150 shows. The band has now visited over 55 countries and proudly holds the title of being one of the most internationally successful bands in Japan. Among rock music critics and fans, they are revered as one of the best live bands in their field.

 

After releasing 10 successful albums - including a live album with an orchestra in New York - the band received the highly regarded award 'The Marshall Hawkins Awards: Best Musical Score - Featurette' from the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema for their collaborative short film 'Where We Begin' in 2015.

 

In June 2018, the band will headline alongside such bands as My Bloody Valentine, Nine Inch Nails, Mogwai and Deftones at London's Meltdown Festival, having been personally invited by Robert Smith of The Cure.

 

Alongside 'After Hours' - their co-curated festival in Shanghai and Taipei - this begins the build up towards the band's 20th anniversary year in 2019. MONO's 10th album will be recorded in July 2018 with long-time friend and collaborator Steve Albini, and the first epic cut will see the light of day in September. This will be the first record to feature their as yet unnamed new drummer. 

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