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 Iceman
2 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