The MonoBloggers live EP

4 out of 5

The MonoBloggers are an uprising indie/alternative band from Wednesfield, Wolverhampton. Members include Sam Lambeth- vocals and guitar, Chris Caddick- vocals and guitar, Matthew Hodson- percussion and Jay Wiley- bass and vocals. The band  formed nearly 3 years ago and am currently unsigned.

I couldn't wait to get hold of this live EP as i have been to see The MonoBloggers before and loved the whole night, so was hoping the essence of a live gig would be captured on disc. However, i must say I was shocked that there was no audience! (apart from the few fans excitement of being from Wednesfield) It puzzled me as it should have been a sound of the night as it happened. Apart from missing a big element to the 'live' experience, the rest of the EP is brilliant. With 8 tracks performed on the night there was a mix of unrecorded tracks, singles from Jagged and Arg Rock, their latest single Mrs Mcendrik and Me which has been aired on Kerrang, WM and BBC6 Music, and a cover of R.E.M's its the end of the world.

 This is where hearing the fans would have been appreciated. Their unrecorded tracks Jessica, Don't sweat it and December all carry that signature MonoBloggers sound which has won them so many admirers. Jessica in particular echoes an Oasis sound in the backing vocals which really sets this song, so would have been interesting to hear how the crowd recieved those. I can guess that Mrs Mcendrick and me, Here's to you and the classic punky-pop Nod my head went down really well. Here's to you especially, as It carries that strong feeling of screw you! throughout. After the midway point the whole performance has an air of real confidence to it and that magical sound you only get from just pure live unedited music. This sets up the chance to introduce a more mellowed out track in Don't sweat it before picking up the pace with Nod my head.  The confidence of the band really shows as they performed their cover of R.E.M's it's the end of the world. A tricky one for any band at any level for its quick lyrics and it's high recognition in the rock world. But, it is performed in that typical MonoBlogger style, although it sounds like the vocals lose puff at one point, it is a moment that makes you chuckle. The beauty of live music.

Overall, it's a great set list, a real confident performance but sadly missing any enthusiastic fans that usually attend other gigs but another triumph for the lads.