by Daniel Stevenson (@stevensondl1)
With a molecular name like Monobody — a synthetic binding protein — it should be no surprise that the Chicago-based instrumental post-rock and jazz fusion band has a knack for combining influences to construct unique and mesmerizing compositions. The group released their third full-length album, Comma, this April via Sooper Records, and it proves to be an enigmatic blend of jazz, progressive rock, and post-rock influences that defies categorization.
In their bio, Monobody cites a butterfly theme throughout Comma, and the metaphor does well to describe the group and the album. Just like the species of butterflies that are namesakes of each track, these songs are arranged with dizzying textures and hypnotic structures. Ornate and unpredictable, Monobody weaves layers of melodies over colorful changes with remarkable precision. Everything seems very intentional, and each composition cleverly revisits sections with evolving variation.
Monobody has a beautifully uncommon and full quartet sound. They’re experimental in sound and form, with jazz-informed virtuosity intersecting with post-rock instrumentation. With winding guitar and keyboard melodies and countermelodies over morphing changes, Comma showcases an expert use of harmonic flavor and dynamism, and Monobody showcases their ability to build catchy melodies from complex chord progressions again and again.
The album has no shortage of shining moments. “Atala” is a highlight, combining dreamscape textures with twisted riffs and a gripping unison chorus. “Mimic” features mind-bending layers of bass and guitar that transform into a wacky groove and melody. “Harvester” is likely the most classic sounding post-rock track, with spindly guitar flourishes that wind up to a cavernous climax of guitar sustain and drum fills. At only 33 minutes, Comma builds on the style of classic jazz fusion with a modern pacing and sense of economy. Precise and impossibly intricate lead lines on each instrument are littered throughout, and seem to be practical, without ego, and always lead directly into the next section.
The beauty of this album is the inability to put your finger exactly on it. It wouldn’t be completely off-base to describe Monobody as math rock, but it wouldn’t give you the full picture. Comma is full of songs in odd meters and melody lines and rhythms that subvert expectations, but it’s more Mahavishnu Orchestra than Midwest emo.
The moment you expect slow building, melodic post rock, Monobody bucks you off with a breakbeat and modal changes. The moment you’re gritting your teeth for another chaotic section, they ease into an airy atmospheric respite. They’re spastic, yet smooth. Dense, yet engaging. Spontaneous, yet composed. It may be challenging to deconstruct, but with Comma, Monobody delivers an album that is as harmonically rich and rhythmically inventive as it gets.