TONIGHT! Mon 9/22: Monotonix / Thunders / Call Me Lightning @ The Melody Inn

September 22, 2008 by ASquared

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Monotonix Is an Israeli Garage Rock Band from Tel Aviv, Israel. They released their debut EP in 2008 and subsequently appeared at SXSW, and Austin City Limits Music Festival.

Dissatisfied with the state of the music scene in their hometown of Tel Aviv, the Israeli trio Monotonix formed in November of 2005. The band, consists of singer Ami Shalev, guitarist Yonatan Gat, and drummer Ran Shimoni, started recording, influenced by Led Zeppelin, the Sonics, and Thin Lizzy. Shortly after forming, they began playing shows at local venues. They would set up on the floor among the crowd and proceed to turn every performance into a wild party, wild enough that more often then not they would find the power getting shut off on them or the police called to break up the show. Eventually finding themselves banned from most of the venues in Tel Aviv, the band decided to leave Israel so they could tour the United States and Europe. From 2006 to 2007, Monotonix played over 300 shows around the world, including SXSW and a tour with Silver Jews. These tours furthered their reputation as a band whose shows are not watched, but experienced. Monotonix have become known for setting themselves and their equipment on fire, stealing drinks from audience members to pour on themselves, and generally turning their shows into unabashed, frenzied dance parties.

Tonight they play at the historic Melody Inn with Milwaukee, Wisconsin's Call Me Lightning and Indianapolis' own Thunders.

"Thunders is a local band you must see. The band has great songs, great musicianship, and outstanding stage presence. At their CD release party for The Sympathetic Oscillations EP at Spin, the awed and silent crowd stood rapt as lead guitarist and singer Ryan Reidy led the band through a series of excellent compositions that combine garage-rock punch and power with the more wistful and feedback-laden elements of late 80s/early 90s combos like The Jesus and Mary Chain. It is surprising that this combination of styles is rarely heard, as Thunders' propulsion (outstandingly provided by Mark Tester, Brian Allen, and Tony Beamer on rhythm guitar, bass, and drums, respectively) combined with the howling electric lead work and vocals of Reidy, fit together like hand-in-glove. And while their first recorded effort doesn't quite match the dynamism of their live show, it still has plenty to recommend it. Recorded in six different houses and three different cities by Reidy before recruiting the other three members of the band to join his vision, The Sympathetic Oscillations begins with a straightforward drumbeat and, in the background, light guitar feedback. Programmed percussion and Reidy's high-pitched vocals enrapture over a long verse that gives way to an insanely catchy chorus/middle-eight. And as the song progresses, Reidy's guitar comes to increasingly dominate the sound with feedback-drenched beauty. The second song follows with a nice garage vibe again combined with a feedback undertow, but Reidy shows the variety in his songwriting over the next couple of cuts, as acoustic strumming combines with airbourne lead lines and no drums to make a lullaby of melodic noise. And while the focus of Thunders certainly rests squarely on the music, Reidy's lyricism can also demand attention, as on the final cut when he sings 'Life is not a fight, it's a stroll into the light…And darkness for me is to fall into deep sleep.' Such gentle sentiments are not often associated with bands that can call up the vibe of the MC5 or the Stooges at a moment's notice, but such is Reidy's talent. Consider The Sympathetic Oscillations EP as a taster for the coming full-length. And catch them locally while you can, for this is a band destined for greater things." - (review by Rick Zeigler)

Come on out to The Mel tonight and check out these 3 great bands - what else is there to do on a Monday night? Come on out and PARTY!

Forum: Music