Mono (Sept. 25, Local 506) still sold out its venue, with a line of more than 100 people waiting to get in when opening act Maserati got on stage.
What makes bands like Mono or its post-rock brethren Explosions In The Sky and Mogwai successful is how full and effective the overall sound is in a live setting. The lack of vocals and slow, melodic structure makes the listener think. Maybe he thinks about the music and how it is progressing, or maybe he's trying to figure out a math problem from earlier in the day (guilty). Either way, it's the type of music that brings about a focused, calming and grounding effect that anybody can appreciate.
While it's easy to see why post-rock as a whole is becoming so popular, Mono proved what made it a top band within its genre. While other bands build as a unit, with every member playing louder or changing patterns at the same time, Mono took its time as each instrument shifted gears individually.
When a guitar increased in intensity, there was no doubting what was happening. The drums and bass initially would do nothing different, yet the rapid strumming from the guitar eventually infected the rhythm section and it, too, started playing with more urgency as the song progressed.
A sharp crash cymbal crescendo would often take songs from the initial, relaxing stage to a movement confusingly both loud and pretty. More than playing with each other, Mono truly played off each other.
Like Mogwai, Mono also had one defining moment where, out of nowhere, the volume got louder than humanly possible at the drop of a dime. I was not expecting this, but when I saw people in the crowd high-five each other when the song started, I knew something special was going to happen.
Great Lake Swimmers (8 p.m. Friday, The ArtsCenter) -- This relaxed folk band straight out of Canada has a reputation as one of that nation's top touring bands. The familiar, folky sound Great Lake Swimmers produces can be enjoyed by anybody who listens to softer music.
There's no doubt that this band is talented and can put on a pretty live show. If its sound is too soft for your tastes, however, then you're better off at Wavves, also on Friday, at the Local 506. His noise-driven, guitar-based pop will put on a far less melodic but more energetic show.
Ghostface Killah (9:30 p.m. Sunday, Cat's Cradle) -- What's better than a concert featuring an original member of the Wu-Tang Clan? One that doesn't cost upwards of $40!
The Wu-Tang Clan has achieved near-legendary status both in hip-hop and indie circles, yet, in recent years, it has not been cheap to see any part of this group live.
When a show is good, it's worth whatever the cost, and anything under $50 isn't outrageous today, but that's just it. The good rap concert is all but a myth, and all but the most diehard fans often leave wondering what made them think it was a good idea to go in the first place.
Then there's Ghostface. He was one of the more talented members of the Clan, and he has produced multiple noteworthy solo albums, so fans need not worry about a short set or filler material.
Most importantly, Ghostface Killah comes from an era in hip-hop music when talent was still important. If he can hold the beat on the recorded version, he'll hold it live. If he raps with fiery passion recorded, he'll exemplify it live. He won't rely on auto-tune or anything else. As a self-professed wizard of poetry, his lyrics and flow will not disappoint.
J.J. Lang hits the high notes of the local music scene each week for The Chapel Hill Herald. Send e-mail to JJLang@email.unc.edu
