Mono-Tone - - Solitude -

​Mono-Tone

​- Solitude -
self-released; 2017

​4.0 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Mono-Tone is an electronic artist based out Switzerland who recently released - Solitude -. It’s a long, electronic ambient album that is worthy of the time you put into it. The production is top notch and mixes dance grooves with some experimental tendencies. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this album; the only minor quibble I have is the preamble the artist states on his Bandcamp page. Apparently, he is aiming to tell a specific story with no words. I’ve seen other instrumental albums attempt this and still don’t understand why you would want to try and limit the imagination of the listener. Why set up a parochial vision for the sounds when there doesn’t need to be? Of course this is arguable and the artist can present art however he or she sees it but it seems to contradict the innate luxury of having sounds which in themselves have no meaning.

- Solitude - is an expansive album with many different shades and tones. The artist implements more traditional dance rhythms with ghostly, haunting synths on “Intro/Erosion.” It’s an immersive ambient track that finds a frequency and repeats it like a mantra. The changes are swift and slick, and obviously the work of someone who has some serious talent in the production department. 

The mood of “Crystal Water” isn't far off from the opening track. This time around the bass is more robust and the song feels a little more club worthy at times. He implements a somewhat predictable field recording of indecipherable conversation but he slices it up in a unique way which made it work for me.  

“Doppelgänger” continues into dark territory and sounds a little more similar to an artist like Burial. Flickering white noise combined with a dub step feel. As the album progresses I was impressed the way the songs tied together and felt cohesive.

​Although “Pentimento” was a little more upbeat and had Pink Floyd style guitar fills with dark qualities that strung together a common thread with the previous songs. The remaining songs all had a slightly different flavor which was fun to explore. 

You could argue that  - Solitude - Is a little too long for it's own good. Some of the songs could have arguably been trimmed down making the long length time a little more manageable for one sitting. It’s a valid point if you still prefer to listen to the album from beginning to end. 

Overall, this is a great album. I thought the attention to detail was an important factor in making the songs stick but they could also be pleasantly enjoyed in a more passive way as well. Recommended.

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