Mona

The first time that I heard Mona I knew that I’d have to see them live soon, before they grew bigger and bigger. Their first UK gig was at Kentish Town’s Flowerpot a few nights ago. It’s a tiny (yet great) venue for a band with such an anthemic sound. I think that everyone who left the gig made some comment about the similarities between the four piece from Tennessee, USA and the other famous foursome who hail from there-Kings Of Leon. In fact, Mona have been compared to a variety of artists including U2, Bryan Adams and Queens of the Stone Age; however I think all can agree that they seem to be the new KOL.

The band’s final gig of their brief 3-date London tour was at London KOKO. They played a lively half hour set, which was enough to fully stamp their mark on the keen indie kids in the crowd. Frontman Nick Brown is extremely watchable, and grew in confidence throughout the gig, ending up in the crowd momentarily, before throwing both his guitar and mic away, to leave a lasting impression of a band hungry for success.

Each of their songs have a catchy hook and an unforgettable chorus. A cynic might see them as another band that are thinking too much of commerciality and not enough about musical experimentation, but you’re too caught up singing along midway through every song, that you just don’t care. ‘Listen To Your Love’ and ‘Lines In The Sand’ are likely to be definite singles; you can almost hear them on the radio already.

There’s a lot to live up to for one of the most hyped bands of the year, with everyone expecting them to make it big. I have to say that based on the two gigs that I’ve been to over the past couple of days I still firmly believe that their success is inevitable. What is important for the band however, is that they shake off their KOL comparisons, and become a band in their own right.



For features, new music and other random bits n bobs head to: www.vulgarpictureblog.blogspot.com