Monotonix Releases Debut Album
But Where Were You When It Happened? Can't Compete with Live Show
Sep 21, 2009
A trio from Tel Aviv, Monotonix have been stirring up interest on the Internet since clips of the group started popping up on YouTube a couple of years back. Its reckless determination to play anywhere but on a stage to involve the audience made, and make, all other rock shows feel staid in comparison.
Almost inevitably, the music takes a backseat to the furious mania of the performance. Primal fuzz-grunge recalling Mudhoney, MC5 and the Stooges, Monotonix' take on garage rock is almost beside the point.
Monotonix Release Where Were You When it Happened?
Where Were You When It Happened?, the first full-length (there was one EP, released previously) studio document of the band, recognizes the impossibility of the feat in its title. Produced by Tim Green of the San Francisco instrumental group the ****ing Champs, the album on its own is a fine rock record, as far as that goes. But perhaps it's more effective as a souvenir of the show. After all, any sales from merchandise means that the constantly touring Monotonix can afford a shower and a hot meal once in awhile.
More importantly, perhaps, the band itself likes the record, which was released this year by Chicago indie label Drag City. "We love it," enthuses guitarist Yonatan Gat, interviewed via cell as Monotonix head to Portland for a show. "I think it's really representative of the show and the atmosphere of the band, and I think people who like our band will like this record very much. We're excited about it."
European Tour Dates Mean New Worlds to Conquer for Monotonix
Monotonix, which formed in 2005, gave up early on capturing interest in its native country, and decided to concentrate on other parts of the world. As word has spread about its live antics—climbing balustrades, leading the audience outside the venue, getting people to carry the drummer—it has become harder to surprise people. But relentless touring does take Gat, singer Ami Shalev and drummer Haggai Fershtman to parts of the world where word has yet to spread.
"We just toured Scandinavia and that was very cool," says Gat. "We played Norway and people didn't know anything about us. It's kind of fun to watch the surprise on people's faces when we set up on the floor and start the show. But every kind of show is fun. Even when a show is empty it can be fun. And if a room is completely packed it's a different experience. You need to appreciate everything. It's all a cool different way of doing the same thing."
Will Success Spoil Monotonix?
It's unlikely Where Were You When It Happened?, with its uncommercial and primitive rock, will sell much outside of the clubs and venues where the band plays, and where audiences, blown away by the show, are eager to take something home with them. But it doesn't matter—with its barrier-breaking live show, Monotonix has already connected with more people in a bigger, stronger way than many larger selling bands can ever hope.
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