Monotonix

Monotonix are pretty much the most exciting live band in the world. Fact.

Dissatisfied with the state of the music scene in their hometown of Tel Aviv, the Israeli trio formed in November 2005. The band consists of singer Ami Shalev, guitarist Yonatan Gat, and drummer Haggai Fershtman and are influenced by Led Zeppelin, the Sonics, and Thin Lizzy. Shortly after forming, they began playing shows at local venues. They frequently set up on the floor among the crowd, playing shows raucous enough to result in the power being shut off or the police called in.

Eventually finding themselves banned from most of the venues in Tel Aviv, the band decided to leave Israel so they could tour the United States and Europe. From 2006 to 2007, Monotonix played over 300 shows around the world, including SXSW and ZXZW and a tour with Silver Jews, whom they had opened for at the Jews’ shows in Israel in 2006 and befriended.

These tours furthered their reputation as a band whose shows are not watched, but experienced. Monotonix have become known for setting themselves and their equipment on fire, stealing drinks from audience members to pour on themselves, and turning their shows into unabashed, frenzied dance parties. In 2007, the band recorded their first EP, Body Language, with Tim Green of the Fucking Champs.

This will be a show you really do not want to miss. If you’ve never seen them before, this video will give a little taster.