Monochrome Set - Spaces Everywhere
by Tony Gaughan
published: 12 / 4 / 2015
Label:
Tapete Records
Format: CD
intro
Infectious comeback album from influential new wave/indie pop act, the Monochrome Set
Formed in 1978, the Monochrome Set's twelfth studio album, 'Spaces Everywhere', sees founding member Bid, who recovered remarkably from a brain aneurysm in 2010, joined by the the wonderfully-named Lester Square, Andy Warren and Steve Brummel. 'Iceman' with its bluesy riff opens proceedings, and it is immediately clear of their influence on current acts like the Divine Comedy and Belle and Sebastian on this and the very next track 'Fantasy Creatures' with its shuffling and infectious beat. 'Avenue' is abundantly reminiscent of Morrissey, and it is to no surprise that Johnny Marr once found their self-titled and magnificent 'The Monochrome Set' single amongst Morrissey's record collection which has clear influence to the early sound of the Smiths. This release offers much more. 'Rain Check' is another infectious track, and the album does deliver another gem in the shape of 'When I Get to Hollywood'. The album's final and title track, complete with proggy flutes, closes an impressive comeback for the band who have clearly influenced many artists including, as well as the aforementioned acts, Franz Ferdinand and the Strokes.
Track Listing:-
1 Iceman2 Fantasy Creatures
3 Avenue
4 Oh, You're Such a Star
5 Rain Check
6 When I Get To Hollywood
7 The Z Train
8 The Scream
9 In a Little Village
10 Spaces Everywhere
Band Links:-
http://www.themonochromeset.co.uk/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monochrome_Set
https://www.facebook.com/themonochromeset
https://twitter.com/themonoset
Label Links:-
http://www.tapeterecords.de/https://www.facebook.com/tapeterecords
https://twitter.com/tapete
https://www.youtube.com/user/tapeterecords/videos
interviews |
|
Interview (2002) |
|
| Eclectic and enigmatic, the UK's Monochrome Set have been the focus of many legends and myths. Tommy Gunnarsson speaks to its ironic and teasing frontman Bid about the group's twenty year history |
live reviews |
|
(with the Hepburns and Karen), Thunderbolt, Bristol, 17/3/2018 |
|
| Dixie Ernill watches the Monochrome Set and Karen bookend a fine evening of skewed indie on a wintry night in Bristol. |
favourite album |
|
The Lost Weekend (2015) |
|
| In our 'Re:View' section, in which we look back at albums from the past, Tommy Gunnarsson listens to 'The Lost Weekend', the Monochrome Set's 1985 would-be chart-topper, and also their last album during their first period as a band, which has just been re-released on CD |
bandcamp
reviews |
|
Fabula Mendax (2019) |
|
| First-rate album from indie pop outfit the Monochrome Set, which was inspired by manuscripts from the 15th century |
| Cosmonaut (2016) |
| Volume, Contrast, Brilliance….Vol. 2, Unreleased and Rare (2016) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Pennyblackmusic - Writers and Photographers' Albums of the Year 2024Peter Perrett - In Dreams Begin Responsibilities Interview Part One
Man From Delmonte - Interview
Clive Langer - Interview
Pennyblackmusic - Book of the Year Award 2024
Johnnie Johnstone - Interview
Marianne Faithfull - Reflections
Laura Nyro - Profile
Johny Brown - Corpse Flower
Vinyl Stories - Vinyl 2024
most viewed reviews
current edition
Dorie Jackson - Stupid Says RunRingo Starr - Look Up
Beabadoobee - This is How The World Moves
Pixie Lott - Encino
Dusty Springfield - The BBC Sessions
Unthanks - In Winter
Joan Armatrading - How Did This Happen and What Does It Mean?
Rosie Lowe - Lover, Other
Oïmiakon - Comptoir Des Vanites
Emily Burns - Die Happy
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart