We are not vegan, but we are open-minded. Venturing into Mono, I found myself in the company of a bill that put to rest an overlong Thursday nicely. Pen in one hand, drink in another. It's a matter of practice.
Watching The Brutes, you couldn't help but connect with their primitive hard rock sound. If you can imagine Dee Dee Ramone fronting Blue Cheer, you're nearly there. That primal instinct that dwells in the soul of every man began to holler. This act wear their influences on their sleeve, and thankfully avoid emulating wimpy 70s soft-rock, instead opting for MC5-esque energy. Forever driven by a steady drumbeat, you were never left gazing at your shoes during this performance.
By the expression of mainman James Wilson's face, their set didn't exactly go as planned, but it didn't stop Wilson Tan from winning over more than a few fans. It's somewhat unheard of for a band to meld Bakersfield with psychedelia, but it's ever harder to comprehend anyone doing so and not offending. Not exactly looking at ease, this probably wasn't the greatest showcase of their abilities. However, tracks like "Ungentlemanly Gentleman" were evidence enough to me that this act are much better than tonight's performance suggested.
Gospel for the non-believer? That would be the Black Diamond Heavies! A two-piece keys 'n' drums combo intent on shaking up the blues and redressing it for a new generation. Front man John Wesley Myers has a suitably twisted snarl to his voice, and plays the keyboard as if he were strangling a cat. Mono didn't exactly bring out the best in their sound, but the duo did their best to deny the fact that it was just the two of them onstage. An impressive rendition of AC/DC's "It's A Long Way to the Top" brought an end to their set. You'll either love them or hate them, but I doubt there was much hate in the air during this performance.
It wasn't a great evening for all, but then, it never is. Mono have Guinness now, so I left happy. Good bands, good beer, good night.