Ste Reid at the o2 Academy, Liverpool. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
As The Mono L.P.’s took to the stage at the o2 Academy, Liverpool, it was almost possible to see in the eyes of the five musicians, Luciano Verghini, Chris Barlow, Dan Beech, Ste Reid and Vicky Mutch, just how far they have come in the hearts and minds of Liverpool audiences in such a short space of time. Nothing is beyond them collectively or individually it seems, nothing much fazes them when they stand on stage together and it is great credit to the ability and tenacity of the group that they have become so well admired during that time.
Opening for legendary Liverpool band Space may have felt like a daunting prospect but with the solid musicianship they provide that frames Ste Reid’s vocals and the energetic and sublime cello performances by Vicky Mutch, even the briefest of nerves would have been dispelled as soon as the noise from the appreciative crowd hit them.
The band opened up a sensational night of music with the songs Watch The Games You Play and The Flame. These tracks opened up the opportunity to really give the crowd the type of night that they were so obviously craving. If the group’s acoustic sets are something to see, to witness and revel in then a full blown electric evening is formidable and potent. Each song overwhelms the senses and the chemistry between Ste Reid and Vicky Mutch is adrenaline-charged and sensual.
Songs such as Look at Those Legs, What You Said About Me I Said About You and You Make Me Sick were of the highest quality and played by the whole band with a ferocity that on the night could really only ever be matched by the headline act. As some of their song titles lean towards the bleak and dark, there may be those that just see the band as trying to capture an essence that may not be natural to Liverpool but the music, the inspired lyrics and outstanding pace that they play is what makes this band so very Liverpool, vibrant, entertaining and alive. The Mono L.P’s finished a superb set with Die A Little Death and The Work Song.
No matter how many times you catch this excellent and vibrant band, The Mono L.P’s keep coming up with the goods and proving that you can never have too much of a good thing.
Ian D. Hall