Monarch @ The Twisted Pepper
Posted on 24th Oct 11 by Jonathan Keane | 
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“For nigh on an hour, Monarch trudge through their cacophonous set as the most of the crowd stands transfixed on the din before them.”
Last Sunday, Dublin was not a pretty sight. Things were dull and grim, as heavy rain pelted down, showing no signs of easing up. It’s never a good combo for a gig night… Sunday and pissing. Regardless, a strong crowd still emerges for France’s Monarch, accompanied by a hefty support slot.
Flowers of Dissonance are a two-man dark ambient theme. One sits at his desk at the foot of stage, a cavalcade of synths before him, conjuring the cruel sounds that resonate throughout The Twisted Pepper, while member number two is knelt on the stage somewhat hidden from view by the stage’s monitors. Deflating balloons into microphones and cackling belches are only some of the components that create this sound and such dark ambient material can often be difficult to translate live but on this occasion, it’s a triumph.
Rat’s Blood provide a big change. The simplest description is rocking, adrenalized punk and their live assault has come on leaps and bounds since their first couple of gigs earlier this year. Still no signs of a release though.
De Novissimis seemed tailored for a support slot with Monarch, however their set is one made entirely of new material, simply two new cuts, long ones of course. And not only that, they show some deviating elements from their usual output. The faster segments are even more abundant and evident than before, particularly in the second song.
Following that is Drainland, who are also playing a set made up for new songs, or newish songs. In other words, And So Our Troubles Began is completely absent. They power through all tracks from their side of the new split LP with Galway’s Trenches with the menacing Stairs being a particular highlight. The surprise comes at the end though with a cover of Nirvana’s Territorial Pissings unexpected to say the least.
Wizards of Firetop Mountain are certainly the most different of all the support bands, regardless they still do what they do best – rock. Simple as that really. Dollar Hips and Onward Towards The Sun are two songs we keep coming back to here but they are just that good. Wizards are coming close to their first year anniversary, and in that year they’ve become one of the city’s best live acts.
Monarch though are simply intense live. On record they’re crushing, dissonant and can often be a test for the listener’s attention and stamina. In a live setting those elements flourish tenfold, accentuated by the visual experience. These French drone/doom merchants release an avalanching of eardrum molesting clamours with cavernous drums and pummelling, snail’s-pace guitars. The vocals of Emilie Bresson are emphasised with a myriad of effects to create an unsettling air, one characterised by eerie vocal textures and harsh, jarring screams and screeches.
For nigh on an hour, Monarch trudge through their cacophonous set as the most of the crowd stands transfixed on the din before them. It’s a tremulous yet invigorating experience.
Tags: De Novissimis, doom, Drainland, drone, Flowers of Dissonance, Monarch, Rats Blood, Twisted Pepper, Wizards of Firetop Mountain