Mono & World's End Girlfriend - Palmless Prayer / Mass Murder Refrain (Album Review)

 

Mono & World’s End Girlfriend - Palmless Prayer / Mass Murder Refrain

(2005)


My copy: 2006 press with one LP on clear vinyl with black swirls and one LP on clear yellow vinyl by Temporary Residence LTD.


Palmless Prayer / Mass Murder Refrain is a collaboration between Tokyo based post-rock band Mono and Katsuhiko Maeda, another Japanese artist who releases music under the name World’s End Girlfriend. The collaboration bore a slow, methodical blend of post-rock and ambient music that spans five movements. 

It’s somewhat of a disservice to listen to this album on LP as each part was recorded to seamlessly flow into the next, however not too much is lost through the interruptions. The A-side comprises “Part 1” and “Part 2” and begins with ambient wind samples and mysterious bells that give way to a gentle vignette of strings that play depressive progressions. The string section features cello, viola and violin and all three come together to create a sorrowful harmony that is eventually graced by a subtle guitar line that serves as a motif throughout the first three parts. There is a wavering, ghostly chorus of voices that come in partway through the first two movements but even the voices are mixed at the same level as the instruments so as to create a balance of tones. 

The first two movements are very slow and delicate, however they simultaneously lull and build tension for “Part 3,” which opens with icy strings followed by the main guitar motif. Drums come into the mix now, albeit very quietly as all the bass elements provide simple structures for the slowly unfurling string melodies. As more and more instruments work their way in from the darkness (soft tremolo and somber piano) the third movement builds towards the first crescendo of the record with heavy clanging drums and bright piano; everything whirls and interlocks with a sort of coolness, like being in the eye of a hurricane. 

“Part 4” and “Part 5” make up the C and D sides respectively and follow a similar blueprint but with additional instrumentation. “Part 4” begins with ringing piano chords before the strings and vocal chorus come back in. These final movements are more intricate and thus more interesting, with harmonies that weave in and out of each other with twisting guitar lines. “Part 5” introduces arpeggios and drums plus a beautifully recorded saxophone that sits daintily in the mix. The album rounds out on the best crescendo yet before feigning to bittersweet string melodies that sway in the aftermath of the heaviness. 

Palmless Prayer / Mass Murder Refrain is an amazingly patient and thoughtful record; its only issue is just in how slow and steady it is. This album will likely bore those seeking something instantly gratifying and the music can mesh together and feel tiring over the course of its nearly 90 minute run time. Those seeking a cathartic and flowing piece of post-rock without any frills will no doubt love Palmless Prayer / Mass Murder Refrain. 

My copy is slightly rare with none currently for sale on discogs and the original pressing going for 80 dollars currently. There are newer pressings that go for around 50 dollars but from international locations.

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