Monotonix

Monotonix

Last SXSW, Monotonix started one of its sets with the drummer lighting his drum kit on fire. This year, the flames were noticeably missing – probably for the best – but the Israeli trio made up for it in acrobatics and one heck of a rock show. Playing mostly from upcoming Drag City EP Body Language, the trio's synergy was white-hot and bluesy, guitarist Yonatan Gat and powerhouse drummer Haggai Fershtman keeping the 1970s chug loud and rhythmic. By the second song, all three were in the crowd, frontman Ami Shalev running around shirtless, crowd surfing, and getting showered in Lone Star. The heavy thump of EP standout "Summers and Autumns" led to an involuntary spray of more beer and sweat from the crowd, and later Gat pulled double duty on guitar and kick drum for a song. Then, Shalev poured a trash can onto the head of Fershtman, who didn't miss a beat. This was multitasking times 100. By the last song, all three members and their instruments were hoisted in the air by members of the crowd. For Monotonix, energy is boundless, and rock & roll is a show.