The Mono Effect hail from Cambridge and have only been a band for around 6 months. In that time they have chalked up support slots with the lieks of Fletcher and Minus and have gained plaudits from the local press. This 3-tracker, only classed as a demo, is their first recorded output and shows why the band are so highly rated. Playing a brand of emo-rock already showcased by the likes of The Milwaukees, The Mono Effect mix angular guitars and driving riffs with some tremendous vocal melodies.
Although the band claim to be influenced by the likes of Biffy Clyro and the Foo Fighters, there’s more of a hint of the likes of Burns Out Bright and Benton Falls in their sound. As far removed from the mesh-cap emo brigade as is possible, the quartet let their music do the talking and seemingly adorn their hearts on their sleeves. The three songs here are self-produced and self-recorded and the lo-fi tinny production actually seems to benefit the songs. ‘One Night Romance’ is an absolute blinder of a track – two minutes and twenty seconds of shouted vocals, jaunty guitars and hummable riffs. ‘Our Way Home’ throws more of a Hundred Reasons style sound into the mix while ‘Tired Eyes‘ hits that little bit harder.
Although I wasn’t convinced by them on first listen, the tracks really develop over time. The Mono Effect already seem to have nailed a sound which doesn’t come across as contrived or forced and bearing in mind the short space of time they have been a band, the future looks very bright indeed. Although they haven’t quite graduated from the school of rock (as they claim) just yet, there’s no doubt they are grade A students…
www.themonoeffect.com
Self Released Demo
Paul