El Moono + Triptych @ Bloc+, Glasgow (26th March 2019)

WORDS: Ray Mondo

Today's review is of a gig that had been recommended to me as the bands were described as being similar to math-rock and grunge - being a fan of all things 90s (and of course not one to turn down a free gig) I could hardly say no. 

Triptych were the first band on - a Glasgow-based group on their first venture as a 3-piece. They began the evening with formidably fuzzy indie-inspired riffs interspersed with elaborate yet dreamy finger-tapping sequences - think the heavier rhythm parts of Dinosaur Jr combined with the more intricate and elaborate parts of early Biffy Clyro, tied together with the frantic yet honest rawness of bands such as early Nirvana and the like. Guitar riffs crunched away effortlessly, drums pounded impressively while fluid bass lines all kept this tight unit together - clearly highlighting their solid skills as musicians. 

Having had support slots with bands such as Fangclub, plus a King Tut's headline slot coming up, this band very much well worth looking out for in the future.

The next and final band of the evening were El Moono, currently finishing up on their first European headline tour and playing in Glasgow for the first time. 

Coming from Brighton (and that night directly from Manchester) the band made their presence in the venue very much known as they head-on collided the musical mentality and direct in-your-face approach of bands such as Tool and Soundgarden together to create a crunchy, catchy and chorus-soaked fusion sound that makes you wish more than anything that it was still 1992. With an impressive stage presence, more heads were turned toward the stage over the course of the band's set - time signature changes keep the crowd hooked on the band, as they make very resourceful use of the small performing space in the venue. Leaping in and out of the crowd space, guitarist and vocalist Zac brought the action up close and personal, making for an immersive and unique experience, while the rest of the band flawlessly thrashed away. 

For having only been a band for 2 years and already wrapping up a headline tour, this further adds to the fact this is another band to keep an eye out for. The next time El Moono are playing Glasgow, you had better not miss it.