About 2x the Mono:
Over
the last 4 years "2x the Mono" has been building a name for themselves
in Hamilton Ontario’s thriving indie scene. Believing that beauty and
justice go hand & hand, these art rockers are equally comfortable
singing beautiful love songs or screaming anthems of protest. No
instrument is off limits; Jaw Harp, Synthesizer, Vocorder, Ukulele,
Omnichord, Mellodica, and the traditional Guitar, Bass and Drums merge
through the use of multiple Loop Stations that have become the hallmark
of this band’s experimental live show.
New CD:
2x the
Mono is currently in the studio recording their 4th album entitled "Art
Rock & Science Fiction." The new CD will features a number of songs
about robots and is slated to be released June 2010.
History:
In
2005 Randell started 2x the Mono as a one man band that became known
for innovative looping shows. The set up was an acoustic guitar,
synthesizer, and a host of other electric & acoustic instruments
through a "loop station", as well as a foot controlled mono tape
recorder that incorporated ambient sound effects, retro commercials,
and radio static into the mix.
In 2007, 2x the Mono released
their debut album “Stereo EP”. Believing that the only way to create
something new is to mix together seemingly disparaging sounds, Randell
showed the eclectic style of 2x the Mono, mixing f …
About 2x the Mono:
Over
the last 4 years "2x the Mono" has been building a name for themselves
in Hamilton Ontario’s thriving indie scene. Believing that beauty and
justice go hand & hand, these art rockers are equally comfortable
singing beautiful love songs or screaming anthems of protest. No
instrument is off limits; Jaw Harp, Synthesizer, Vocorder, Ukulele,
Omnichord, Mellodica, and the traditional Guitar, Bass and Drums merge
through the use of multiple Loop Stations that have become the hallmark
of this band’s experimental live show.
New CD:
2x the
Mono is currently in the studio recording their 4th album entitled "Art
Rock & Science Fiction." The new CD will features a number of songs
about robots and is slated to be released June 2010.
History:
In
2005 Randell started 2x the Mono as a one man band that became known
for innovative looping shows. The set up was an acoustic guitar,
synthesizer, and a host of other electric & acoustic instruments
through a "loop station", as well as a foot controlled mono tape
recorder that incorporated ambient sound effects, retro commercials,
and radio static into the mix.
In 2007, 2x the Mono released
their debut album “Stereo EP”. Believing that the only way to create
something new is to mix together seemingly disparaging sounds, Randell
showed the eclectic style of 2x the Mono, mixing folk, country, rock,
and experimental tracks on one disk, taking the listener on a sonic
journey of surprise.
As improvised synthesiser loops became a
bigger part of 2x the Mono’s live sets in 2008, an instrumental
electronic album entitled Sound Sketches was recorded. This
experimental album was subsequently nominated for a Hamilton Music
Award in the best electronic recording category.
In Late 2008 2x
the Mono Released a holiday concept album entitled “Lo-Fi Christmas,” a
Christmas CD for all 12 months of the year containing all new and
original songs. The idea was to create a Christmas CD for people who
don’t like Christmas music. This album saw the addition of drummer
Adrian McFarlane, and fellow multi instrumentalist and brother, Regan
Neudorf. With the new line up 2x the Mono has begun playing shows that
take the original one man band concept to a new level, instruments and
melodies change hands between the Neudorf Brothers at a staggering rate
while the solid percussion lines slip between beats that range from
jazz to disco.
It was said from the beginning that “all this
band wants from its audience is a reaction. You might love them or hate
them, but you can’t ignore the force that is 2x the Mono!” This has
never been truer then now.
Instrumentation:
Randell
Neudorf: vocals, guitars, synths, vocorder, omnichord, harmonicas,
organ, lap steel, ukuleles, melodica, jaw harp, loop station, drum
machine, sleigh bells, congas, kalimba, tape recorder, loop station,
etc...
Regan Neudorf: bass , glockenspiel, synths, vocorder,
loop station, omnichord, backing vocals, vibra slap, tambourine, sleigh
bells, video graphics, etc...
Adrian Mcfarlane: drums, tambourine, sleigh bells, djembe, etc...
Discography:
"Lo-Fi
Christmas" - CD - Released Nov. 2008. A Christmas album for all 12
months of the year that combines feelings of nostalgia with progressive
indie rock sounds.
"Sound Sketches" - MP3 Download Card -
Released Aug. 2008. An all electronic album that has been described as
retro space invader blip-bleep pop. Nominated for best electronic album
at the 2008 Hamilton Music Awards. This album showcases the
experimental side of 2x the Mono's live shows and features performances
on Micro Korg Synth/Vocorder and the obsolete analog Omnichord.
"Stereo EP" - CD - Released Aug. 2007. A recording that combines folk songs with casio keyboard beats and ambient beauty.
Soul Junk, Joy Electric, Sufjan Stevens, Larry Norman, Starflyer 59, Danielson Family, Half Handed Cloud, Furthermore, His Name Is Alive, Victoria Williams, Pedro The Lion, Breakfast With Amy, Transister Sound & Light Company, Havalina
