Ste Reid of The Mono LPs at Eric’s. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

To hear the Mono LPs on stage at Eric’s on Mathew Street creating the type of penetrating and powerful sound as they supported Sandi Thom for the night, it might have blown you away and a lot of pre-conceived ideas about how an acoustic set works. Not only was it bouncy, brash and passionate but at one point it did look as though Ste Reid and Vicky Mutch, along with her cello were going like the clappers on stage.

Most bands when doing an acoustic set might take it down a few levels, time to break out from the pressure cooker that is relentless gigging and enjoy the serenity of playing a few numbers in a sedate and enjoyable manner. Not for the musicians that make up The Mono LPs, this was a chance to shake it loose and hit a surprised but grateful audience with some brilliant tunes.

The five members of the band gave an extremely good account of themselves and impressed a crowd that had undoubtedly come in their droves to hear Sandi Thom perform. What they got was extra added bonus, the extra icing on top of a night of music that was already going to go well. With only five tracks to play, some bands would go for safety. They would play by numbers, get the job done and hope that what they had played was enough to get them a support slot elsewhere. Again, The Mono LPs are made of sterner stuff and as they progressed through their set, their songs took on a life of their own.

Watch the Games You Play, Look at Those Legs, The Flame and Die Another Death had the crowd at Eric’s enthralled and positively eager for more.  The sight of Ste Reid bouncing round the small space he had left for himself was enjoyable and he was given plenty of scope by his fellow band members, Luciano Verghini, Chris Barlow and Dan Beech to entertain the crowd. Vicky Mutch is quite possibly one of the best young cello players in the city at the moment and watching her, whether as part of this tremendous band or supporting the other talented musicians of Liverpool, for example Alan O’ Hare or Stephen Langstaff is an absolute joy.

It may have been a short set but the band more than made up for it by giving a fantastic and exuberant performance.

Audiences can catch The Mono LPs support Space at The o2 Academy, Liverpool in December.

Ian D. Hall