Monotonix is not about progress, unless you count fighting your way out of the La Brea Tar Pits as progress. This is proto-metal that thunders along like an angry woolly mammoth, only recently thawed, hungry to make up for lost time. But, see, the thing is that they can't change. Monotonix is channeling all the pent up passions that lie deep in the collective psyche, and they allow release through their turbulent music. And the music is only a segment of the process, because it forms the backdrop to their live shows, and that's where the cacophony truly threatens to break through dimensional walls. more ›

Another Dark Lord Day is in the books and the lesson learned is "come early." Marcus hopped on the LUSH Wine & Spirits bus. I biked. We reached Three Floyds within a half-hour of each other to find a line stretching down Indiana Parkway. I'd like to say that it was exciting, but both Marcus and I spent the majority of our time in Munster in queue like British, golden tickets in hand. more ›

Monotonix is playing Logan Square Auditorium tomorrow night. I can not stress enough how much you should go see their show. There are some bands we think everyone should see at least once before they die, and Monotonix is one of them. more ›

Monotonix puts on one of the most wildly entertaining stage shows we've seen in recent years, with band member literally setting each other on fire and trying to make off with each other's instruments ... mid-song. They just released this taste from the debut full-length Where Were You When It Happened?, out September 8. It's a bit of a departure from their previous material in that it, um, actually seems somewhat thoughtfully constructed! Instead of a whirlwind of instruments threating to consume each other what we get instead is a pretty nnifty groove and the startling realization that lead vocalist Ami Shalev can actually sing! more ›

This year’s Hideout Block Party had it all: blues, world music, stoner rock, deep country blues, puppet shows, political dissidents, robo-rock, the return of Neko Case in two guises, and a punk rock marching band. In-between all of this the organizers managed to mix in voter registration, political discussion, and a drunken spelling bee. The amazing thing about this whole package? Its whole purpose was to raise money for various community centers, primarily in the interest in improving the lives of area children, proving The Hideout truly is striving to create a sense of community through the arts. more ›

We just couldn’t possibly do justice to Monotonix’s set with a mere couple of photos, so here’s a full photo set from their appearance last Saturday at The Hideout Block Party. This explosive trio from Tel Aviv – and explosive doesn’t even do their set a lick of justice – turned in a chaotic show that redefined the concept of crowd participation. Words just can’t do them justice, so take a look at the mayhem from inside the melee. more ›

We have to hand it to The Hideout, those cats know how to throw a party. What began as an affair populated mostly by local bands friendly to the bar has expanded to become one of the most inventively and entertainingly booked local festivals of the year. more ›

The F Yeah tour hits The Mansion (2408 N Kedzie) tomorrow night with Matt & Kim, Monotonix, Team Robespierre, Mannequin Men, and Crystal Antlers. (Yes, Matt & Kim are also playing Hideout earlier in the evening, and this set was supposed to be a secret, but their label let the cat out of the bag, so there you go.) more ›