The Monochrome Set plus support from The Cathode Ray

The Monochrome Set

It's 40 years since The Monochrome Set formed and the legendary band are on the road once more, bringing their hook-crammed melodies and dark sense of humour to The Georgian Theatre in Stockton..

Featuring original members Bid (Guitar/Vocals) and Andy Warren (bass) with John Paul Moran (keyboards) and Mike Urban, who was previously in the band in the early 90s, on drums, The Monochrome Set formed in 1978 and were heavily influential in the 'post-punk' scene that evolved after the initial scorched earth of punk. The band's early releases were on the legendary Rough Trade Label before signing with Virgin offshoot Din Disc. They also released several albums on the Cherry Red label, making a notable appearance on that labels' well known 'Pillows and Prayers' compilation.

Though The Monochrome Set split in 1985 the next decade saw several reunions for both live gigs and further studio recordings, their album release count now being well into double figures. After a hiatus of over a decade the band reformed full time in 2010 and have since toured all over the UK, Europe, Japan and the USA, whilst also releasing four new, critically acclaimed, studio albums.

This year, 2018, is the fortieth anniversary of the band's formation and they released a box set of their first four albums to celebrate this in February, that month also saw the release of their fourteenth, new, studio album, 'Maisieworld', both on the German label 'Tapete

The Cathode Ray

The Cathode Ray returned in April 2018, after a three year recording hiatus, with “Another World”, the lead track from their forthcoming third album “Heightened Senses” which is due out early in 2019..

Lyrically concerning themes of alienation, hopes, fears and doubts, “Another World” is yet another bold musical statement from The Cathode Ray, evoking nothing less than the glam balladry of Roxy Music or Be-Bop Deluxe, married to subliminal electronica. It sets out the stall for the new album which, as its title suggests, promises to stretch The Cathode Ray template further with forays into previously unchartered musical waters for the band.

It also marks the recording debut of guitarist Phil Biggs with the band, plus production assistance, cover art and video direction from Alex Thoms, the son of lead singer Jeremy Thoms. Steve Fraser (lead guitar), Neil Baldwin (bass) and David Mack (drums) complete the line-up.

The Cathode Ray can be seen live supporting The Monochrome Set at The Georgian Theatre in Stockton on Friday November 30th 2018.