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Monotonix

The Frequency
Madison, WI

Metaphors seem to run rampant when attempting to describe Israeli garage rock band Monotonix's live experience. Singer Ami Shalev, guitarist Yonatan Gat and drummer Haggai Fershtman swung (from the rafters) through Madison Thursday night, playing to a packed High Noon Saloon, leaving everyone in attendance drenched in the band's sweat and wanting more, even cheering when Shalev repeatedly displayed his hairy derriere.

Monotonix takes a unique approach to the notion of audience participation by using the audience as a stage, crowd surfing the singer, guitarist and drummer back and forth while they continue to play. Fershtman's entire drum set seemed to float from one end of the High Noon to the other, being passed over the heads of the crowd without Haggai so much as missing a beat.

Metaphors aside, their brand of fuzzed out guitar riffs, pounding drums and primal screams move a crowd into a frenzy almost instantly, as seen by those in attendance on Thursday night. Monotonix's history of being banned from a slew of Tel Aviv clubs and shows across the globe being cut short by security seems to follow them everywhere they go. As they took the stage I couldn't help but wonder how long they would actually be allowed to play for. Wisconsin branded short shorts, trash can dumpings, Tarzan-like scaling of support beams, crowd surfing musicians and all; Monotonix took over the High Noon and didn't let up until the last glimpse of Shalev's hairy tuches.

Review by Dave Kreisman on Dane 101

Minimum Age: 21

Kid Friendly: No

Dog Friendly: No

Non-Smoking: No

Wheelchair Accessible: No

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