The Monochrome Set – Volume, Contrast, Brilliance... (Sessions & Singles Vol. 1)

The Monochrome Set – Volume, Contrast, Brilliance... (Sessions & Singles Vol. 1)

An essential document of the early British post-punk and new wave underground, Volume, Contrast, Brilliance... (Sessions & Singles Vol. 1) brings together an intriguing collection of singles, alternative recordings and radio session performances from The Monochrome Set's formative years. Originally released in 1983, this compilation captures the inventive, eccentric and unmistakably individual sound of one of the most distinctive groups to emerge from the late-1970s UK independent music scene.

Formed in London in 1978, The Monochrome Set developed a sound that stood apart from the more aggressive tendencies of punk and post-punk. Led by the enigmatic vocalist and songwriter Bid, alongside the inventive guitar work of Lester Square, the band combined angular guitar arrangements, wiry rhythms, literate lyrics and offbeat humour. Their music drew on an unusual mixture of influences, including 1960s pop, surf guitar, rockabilly, lounge music and European art-pop, creating a style that was sophisticated, playful and frequently surreal.

The compilation takes its title seriously, presenting different perspectives on the group's early catalogue through a mixture of familiar recordings and more unusual session material. Highlights include the sharply observed 'The Jet Set Junta', the wonderfully eccentric 'Love Zombies', the atmospheric 'The Man With The Black Moustache' and the distinctive 'He's Frank (Slight Return)'. Elsewhere, 'Eine Symphonie Des Grauens', 'The Ruling Class' and 'Viva Death Row' showcase the band's darker lyrical imagination and distinctive approach to melodic post-punk.

The collection is particularly interesting for its radio session recordings, which offer alternative interpretations of the group's material. Among the more entertaining moments is 'Fat Fun', featuring a memorable introduction from legendary BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel. The inclusion of the jazz-inspired 'Lester Leaps In' also highlights the group's eclectic musical interests, while 'Ici Les Enfants' and 'Avanti (Ten Don'ts For Honeymooners)' demonstrate their fondness for unusual arrangements and playful storytelling.

The Monochrome Set's influence can be heard across subsequent generations of independent guitar music, particularly among artists drawn to the more melodic, intelligent and unconventional side of post-punk. Their combination of sharp songwriting, distinctive guitar work and theatrical eccentricity helped establish a musical identity that remains difficult to categorise.

A fascinating collection for fans of The Monochrome Set, British post-punk, early alternative music and the independent record-label culture of the late 1970s and early 1980s. An especially rewarding listen for anyone interested in the more adventurous and idiosyncratic side of the UK new wave movement.

Tracklist

Side A
A1. Eine Symphonie Des Grauens
A2. The Jet Set Junta
A3. Love Zombies
A4. Silicon Carne
A5. The Ruling Class
A6. Viva Death Row
A7. The Man With The Black Moustache

Side B
B1. He's Frank (Slight Return)
B2. Fun For All The Family
B3. Lester Leaps In
B4. Ici Les Enfants
B5. Fat Fun
B6. Alphaville
B7. Avanti (Ten Don'ts For Honeymooners)