For My Parents

I am a big fan of the whole genre of 'Music that is a noise rather than a song' from '60s Floyd to Mono, Mogwai and the like. As we used to say when I were a lad 'I love Mono, I've got all their records'. Well, I have to say, I'm awaiting the next one with some concern.Much of Mono is rather similar, like Status Quo, Queen, Rap Music Today, the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band etc and you like it or you don't. Honestly, this is not the first amongst equals. This is a fine record, but it's not exactly breaking new ground. If you are looking to start with this excellent band, then try 'Under the Pipal Tree', 'You Are There' or the very wonderful (and different- you won't like this unless you like the sort of music where the same chord is played for twenty minutes. Five times.) Palmless Prayer/Mass Murder Refrain'.But, as per the rating system 'I like it'.

I consider myself as a Mono fan since I heard them live in 2005. It's almost a decade now.Their progress with each release has been an outstanding one and witnessed a very successful sequence of albums. Their ever-evolving sound has never left these ears without delivering an amazing listening experience.My favourite Mono album has always been "One More Step and You Die" for its darker and heavier characteristic. However, their previous album set the bar so high in an absolutely beautiful and majestic way."For My Parents" is equally beautiful, albeit less grandiose. This album progresses through small but gentle steps. It's ethereal. It's elagant. The melodies take you to heavenly skies.In a way, this album is quite possibly the most personal Mono album to date.As usual, listening to a Mono album is an experience.It does not only shaped by the music but your state of mind while listening to it establishes the foundations of your experience.In this regards, this album is very rewarding.It's not an album you are going to listen to everyday.But it is THE album you will choose to listen to experience your deeper feelings on your own.Therefore, "For My Parents" will always remain as one of the most beloved and beautifully crafted album in their catalog.

MONO have come on leaps and bounds with the past two albums. 'For My Parents' (for me) is the pinnacle of their career. The opening track 'Legend' is breathtaking. The musicality of each track has no bounds. I didn't want it to end. I closed my eyes as it started and absorbed every strum, drum beat and orchestrated movement and knew I was listening to musical gold. As another reviewer said, you won't find anything new here sound wise (it's MONO), but what you will find is the BEST album of the year full of drama, emotion, impact, depth and intensity. If you like Godspeed and bands of that ilk, this is up there with the greats. In my opinion, this and 'Hymn to the Immortal World' surpass all before them. Perfection.

I don't think Mono ever will or can produce a bad album, their combination of crashing waves in the drum section, which is often percussive rather than using a standard pattern, the drilling guitar, orchestral backing and driving bass...It's like listening to life's pace itself and if you get to see them live it is a truly life affirming and affecting experience!The album doesn't stray from their previous attempts too far...I would say there is a difference in the definition of the instruments compared to the previous album.If you already like Mono then this shouldn't dissapoint. If you are looking for a huge shift or change in sound, then go buy another CD from another band because that isn't what this is about.Expressive, emotive!