Solid Alright: Miu Mau’s “Monochrome”
This just slithers, all icy synths and vocals. Miu Mau are a new-wave trio, and on “Monochrome” they have created a prickly number that’s both catchy and a touch mysterious. It is a relatively sparse song – some leading guitar and synth bouncing, which gives way to just drum and woozy synth notes. This backdrop gives the singing plenty of room to work with – the lyrics come across quite clear here, painting a pretty ennui-rich picture. “I’m looking forward to the weekend,” they go, and soon the lead singer is bringing up French films. She jumps between English and Japanese, but the emotional impact comes through in both. Listen above.