Japanese Post Rock Giants MONO Brought New Sounds Out For Their 25th Anniversary Tour And Subtle Tribute To Chicago Legend Steve Albini.

Dec 12, 2024 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0

By Harrison Kristoff

OnTuesday night, Japanese post-rock giants MONO took to the stage at Chicago’s iconic Thalia Hall, delivering a sold-out performance that felt more like a spiritual experience than just a concert. This special show was not only a celebration of their quarter-century career but also a tribute to the hauntingly beautiful sounds of their latest album, Oath.

With the band touring alongside a 12-piece orchestra to mark their 25th anniversary, the evening felt like a grand symphony, blending their signature ethereal soundscapes with the sweeping intensity of orchestral arrangements. The intimate venue, combined with an arresting visual display, created an atmosphere that was nothing short of mesmerizing.

MONO has long been known for their ability to create expansive, emotionally rich soundscapes, and on this night, they didn’t just meet those expectations—they transcended them. The core of the performance was drawn from their album Oath, a record that explores themes of acceptance, gratitude, and the importance of recognizing the abundance we already have in our lives.

The music itself is undeniably mystical, with sweeping crescendos that build to breathtaking peaks and delicate, zen-like moments of calm. Hearing these tracks live brought them to life in a way that was emotionally stirring. Every note resonated deeply, amplified by the 12-piece orchestra that added a lush layer of depth to the already powerful compositions.

The band’s drummer, Dahm Majuri Cipolla, wore a Steve Albini shirt, the Raiders / Breeders design paying tribute to the influential producer with whom MONO worked on this new record. Albini’s unmistakable touch—known for capturing raw, unfiltered sounds—can be felt throughout Oath. But hearing the music in a live setting with an orchestra just elevated the experience to a new dimension. It wasn’t just about the notes; it was about the feeling behind them. There was an undeniable spiritual quality to the music that allowed the audience to connect on a deeper emotional level.

If the music didn’t already transport you, the visuals certainly did. The stage was drenched in ghostly lighting, casting long shadows through smoke and creating an ethereal atmosphere that made the performance feel like something out of a dream. The lighting was minimal but deeply effective, amplifying the haunting quality of MONO’s sound and adding an almost cinematic dimension to the show.

The visuals were particularly powerful during the more atmospheric sections of the set, where the lighting would fade into darkness, leaving only the delicate strains of the orchestra and guitar to echo through the room. It was a truly hypnotic experience—one that felt like a journey inward as much as it was an external performance.

The venue’s acoustics were also ideal for a band like MONO, who rely on the delicate interplay between silence and sound. The reverberation of the music, the sense of space in each movement, and the sheer volume of the orchestra made the entire performance feel immersive and transcendent. For those lucky enough to be in the audience, the connection between band and listener was palpable.

In many ways, this concert was a celebration of MONO’s enduring legacy—a testament to their ability to evolve while remaining true to the emotional core of their music. As Cipolla’s tribute to Albini demonstrated, this was more than just a performance; it was a moment to reflect on the journey the band has been on and the profound impact their music has had over the years and their tie to Chicago and its music scene.

MONO’s performance at Thalia Hall on December 10th, 2024, was not just a concert; it was an event that transcended the typical live music experience. The fusion of the band’s signature sound with the grandeur of a 12-piece orchestra, combined with the haunting visuals and intimate venue, made for a truly unforgettable evening. As the band celebrates their 25th anniversary and celebrates the release Oath, it’s clear that their journey is far from over. If this performance was any indication, MONO’s music will continue to captivate and inspire listeners for years to come.