While you may not have heard of Monophona just yet, their evolving sound has taken shape into something truly special worth checking out. The Luxembourg-based group present a flowing blend of electronica and downtempo, with plenty of other experimental cues added to the mix. With their second album, "Black on Black" due out in January of 2015, given their momentum and drive, possibilities seem endless. Originally creating a sound that at times pulled from two of their biggest influences in Portishead and Björk, Monophona have branched out into a lush and grounded sound with the release of "Ribbons".
Also based out of Luxembourg and with a release out in early 2015 is Daniel Balthasar, who will head to Abby Road Studios to record the acoustic EP this December. With 5 albums under his belt, he has become one of the more renowned musicians from Luxembourg with his straightforward sound. Lending his vocals to "Ribbons" seems to be a big of a departure from his catalog, but we are not complaining as they add a great contrast to the lead.
From the get go it is easy to see that "Ribbons" will float along with its easing soundscape and duet of vocals that glide across the dips in sound. With never a dull moment, when most songs could exhaust a listener with a sequenced background, or level-planed vocals the two play off of each other in such a way that "Ribbons" maintains a solid groove throughout.
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Keep an ear out for Monophona's second album as it is sure to provide other gems just like "Ribbons".
