Monochrome

Monochrome, from Stuttgart Germany has been around since the mid to late 1990's forming out of the ashes of the hardcore band Dawnbreed. Their sound operates on different musical and ideological influences. Combining the intensity of punk with the easiness of Scandinavia Pop and the profundity of jazz, Monochrome have their unique and distinctive identity - expressed in a style, that is authentic, clear, purist and contemporary. The instrumentation of their songs varies from fragile instrumental duos to the complete Monochrome force, which is in action most of the time: two voices, one female, one male; two guitars, one horizontal, one diagonal; bassguitar, drums, and some electronics.

Dim Mak Releases:
DM028: "Vara" 7"

Discography:
Vara 7" (2002 Dim Mak Records)
Kontern Music Video (2001, viva zwei) Laser.
View from the Exterior LP/CD (1999,Trans Solar Records)
Radio 12"/CD(1998, Trans Solar Records)
Monochrome 7" (1996, X-Mist Records)

Reviews

Dethroned.net
Dim Mak is probably one of my favorite labels, if not my most favorite. They put out quality releases from quality bands. This review isn't about that wonderous label Dim Mak though, it's about this band they put out. They're called Monochrome. This was actually my introduction to this fine, fine band that convinced me to seek out their other albums (ome being their full-length Laser, which quite possibly may be one of the most beautiful albums i've ever heard). The record features two songs, Angelfire Analog/Ehrlich. The last one being a re-recorded version of a song from their last release, Laser. Both songs have a Milemarker, and At the Drive-in feel except not nearly as political or heavy as the latter. In fact, half of the lyrics you can't even understand because they're in German. The vocals switch off between male, female, english, and german which makes for some interesteing melodies. I don't know what else to say except go purchase this piece of plastic. It will end up in my top 10 at the end of the year, thats a fact... along with their next full-length which will be released on Dim Mak later this year. Beautiful, driving, inspiring post-punk outfit. It's everything you should be looking for in your music. However if you're interested only in blast beats and growls, look elsewhere.

Fracture #21 MONOCHROME Vara 7"
About time we got something new from MONOCHROME, pity it's just one new track and make-over of an old one because I could have done with so much more. Anyway, the new track "Angelfire" is amazing, making full use of MONOCHROME's seamless blending of pop melody, a jagged punk-edge and of course those superbly contrasting male/female vocals. It's such an original and innovative sound that MONOCHROME have carved out for themselves. The flipside is a reworking of "Analog and Ehrlich"from their amazing "Laser" album (if you don't have this, you should) which is a little more rocking and driving than the album versioo and sounds just great for it. Comes on plush clear-green wax and of course with the excellent artwork/design you've come to expect from these guys. A new album would be very much appreciated. RR

Muddle #17 Monochrome "Laser"
CD Beautiful packaging on this CD with a nice slip cover, beautiful multi-page booklet and CD ecopak type case. Musically this blew me away. I believe this band is German, but they don't sound like the typical German we normally get sent to review. Monochrome is unique. Melodic indie rock that is full of hooks and rocking guitars as well as a nice male/female vocal combo, Monochrome is a band who I listened to the entire record before writing this, which is rare these days. The last line in their booklet sums it up. "Thank you for listening. We hope you are stil ok." I couldn't have put it better myself. Find this record and prepare to be rocked. RR

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