Pulling a crowd in December is no mean feat, but Life in Mono have carved out a reputation as one of Bristol’s most compelling alt-rock bands. That reputation packed out Rough Trade for one of their few headline shows this year. The air buzzed with anticipation for a band that has become a cornerstone of the city’s underground music scene.
Fronted by Sarah (vocals, guitar, keys) and backed by the powerhouse trio of Adam (bass), James (guitar), and Mike (drums), Life in Mono have taken a step back from live performances in 2024. But Saturday’s show marked the start of a new chapter, hinting at a 2025 EP and showcasing a band ready to evolve.
Life in Mono’s sound is a genre-spanning collision of grunge, post-rock, and atmospheric noir. Think Brutus meets Portishead, with flashes of Deftones and PJ Harvey lurking in the shadows. Their music is less something you hear and more something you inhabit—a sonic experience that demands both your attention and your emotional surrender. Sarah’s vocals are a siren call, building from a hushed, almost fragile murmur to a spine-tingling crescendo. Meanwhile, the rhythm section and guitar create an escalating storm of sound, cresting in moments of visceral, soul-shaking intensity.
Saturday’s ten-track set was nothing short of immersive. From the opening notes, Sarah commanded the room, her presence magnetic, her delivery razor-sharp. The chemistry between the band was palpable, each member playing their role in creating moments of tension and release. Mike’s thunderous drumming and Adam’s relentless bassline pushed the crowd to the brink, only for James’s soaring, intricate guitar work to pull them back to safety.
The setlist traced the band’s evolution, mixing fan favourites like “Blackout” and “Sex to White Noise” with 2024 standouts “When You Play With Fire” and the new single “Basic Reality.” “Mother Tongue” was a standout moment, offering a glimpse at where the band might be heading next—a darker, more expansive sound that feels cinematic in scope.
They closed with a gut-wrenching, emotionally charged performance of “Madness I + II,” leaving no doubt about their ability to craft anthems as evocative as they are powerful. Life in Mono’s music feels like it belongs in the opening scene of a blockbuster or the devastating finale of a prestige drama.
Saturday wasn’t just a gig; it was a statement. Life in Mono aren’t just a band—they’re storytellers, architects of soundscapes that linger long after the final chord. With a new EP on the horizon, it’s clear this is only the beginning of their next act.
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
