George van Wetering is a protean artist of sorts. His music and art slips and slides between sonic pallettes and tropes, transcending genre and creating an entirely new sonic landscape of its own. And his art has not gone unnoticed. Hailed as “a free spirit that finds harmony with disparate elements and a pattern without a formula” his music has struck a chord with audiences across the globe: George van Wetering's records have been released by Dutch label Konkurrent, Zip Records (USA/the Netherlands) and Modern Sky (China).
"If Adam Curtis made music instead of documentaries Monokino would be the sound / This is music that defies genre, it is pure, raw, and magnificent." - Yack Magazine
"His latest singles "Bend or Break", “No Return” and “Your Underground” made a splash internationally with plays from the late Janice Long on BBC Radio." - BBC Radio.
UK Artist of the week: “His latest release “Your Underground” is a woozy fusion of alternative-rock and off-kilter electronics that certainly deserves your attention.” - The Vinyl District
Working with producer Tony Visconti and Kristeen Young, plus fellow Dutch artist/producer Jacco Gardner during his career, Monokino has a reputation as a keen collaborator; a trait he also brings to his latest release: “Your Underground”, on which he worked together with J. Laser (former bass player of M83)
Monokino gained a large following in China while also gaining traction in North America. Following the releases of the albums “Human Error” and “Fake Virtue”, Monokino completed five consecutive tours of China and North America, visiting landmark festivals from China’s Strawberry Festival to the US’s South by Southwest.
"Dutch musician Monokino takes the electronic-tinged genre of hyperpop in bold new directions."
“Magical electro-pop and baroque fusion and jawdropping visuals."
“The machine gun lead, hyper-drive beat scores Monokino's layered vocal through an atmospheric and arresting track.”
“A breathless, whirl of soundscapes and incessantsampled beats. Monokino takes no prisoners as electro is formidably melded with rock-style guitar; relentlessly dark, consistently moody.”
"Incredibly original"
"Monokino is just on a planet of his own… his sound is relatable, sublime at times, and powerfully inspiring."
"An out-of-the-ordinary single: ‘No Return’is a great proof that true artists’ inspiration’s never fadesaway - Monokino releases one of his strongest and most meticulously produced songs so far."
"The Dutch musician - Monokino‘s newly released song and music video called “No Return” will pour a grain of salt to the open wounds of those feeling detached from their home or home country. The band tortures the listener’s soul with soul-stirring pop fusion and baroque electronic tunes, creating an atmosphere of inevitable sadness. “No return” holds the bittersweet spirit of involuntary detachment."
Just Bangers
"George van Wetering, best known as Monokino continues his musical journey with this mesmerizing release of a deep and bittersweet single “No Return” along with a highly anticipated music video that was shot in Nanjing, China."
"George van Wetering, best known as Monokino continues his musical journey with this mesmerizing release of a deep and bittersweet single “No Return” along with a highly anticipated music video that was shot in Nanjing, China."
"Soulful and deep sound mixed with expressively strong vocals singing about the detachment from the past - pour all the sadness from your heart. Everything you think you were over with, every pain and every wound you hid deep enough to forget about resurfaces with disturbing guitar riffs and vulnerable vocals."
“No Return” is a magical electro-pop and baroque fusion set to spark mass appreciation among both mainstream music lovers and connoisseurs of the genre, while helping cement the rise of Monokino’s status as a major act in 2020’s music scene."
"This electronic, baroque and pop fusion is a mysterious and beautiful song that once again showcases Monokino’s strong penchant for bittersweet melodies and atmospheres."
"Monokino transcends cultures and releases a fusion between East and West on new music video "No Return". George van Wetering, better known as the lead singer of the Dutch band Monokino, is gaining the attention of the press thanks to his latest release, a jaw-dropping music video titled No Return. "
"Beaucoup d'émotions pour le hollandais Monokino. No Return a été écrite lorsque George van Wetering / Monokino doutait de sa capacité à rester en Chine et hésitait à rentrer chez lui ou non."
"Monokino has spent years in China and feels very close to the country, even though he has mixed feelings with the professional and personal experiences he had to undergo while living there. His new music video is a great way to portray his feelings and emotions, and is exclusively shot in China. This fascinating song will undoubtedly help Monokino strengthen the connection between western and eastern cultures, and bring people together amidst the Pandemic."
"Have you ever imagined what a sonic fusion between eastern and western sonorities would sound like? This is exactly what Monokino, a Dutch indie-pop group has done with their latest single and music video titled ‘No Return’. Monokino has been consistently increasing their reach over the past years, with releases like ‘Human Error’ and ‘Fake Virtue’. ‘No Return’ is a beautiful sonic, but also visual experience."
"Monokino is releasing an incredibly original track titled “No Return.” He has concocted a savvy blend of electronica, pop, rock, and baroque-inspired sonorities that act as the perfect sonic structure for him to layer his vocals, in Mandarin!"
"The band reincarnated from their industrial goth phase into bolder sound choices, right after “the EDM cult of personality took over.” Their romantic ballad “No Return,” with a baroque electronic production, is a beautiful artistic sophistication of the dilemmatic issue of homecoming."
"At the intersection of indie, pop, and rock, “No Return” is the kind of single that loops in your head for days even if, frankly, we cannot understand the exact meaning of the lyrics."
"I deduce that unlike many of his contemporaries, this is not a man much concerned with fitting in. No return is an interestingly crafted tune sung in Mandarin Chinese. The song features vocals that seem to float into the ether, spacious violin sounds, Eastern musical motifs, and even an aggressive sounding synth that makes a brief stop in the song’s break."
"The sweeping orchestral sound mixes strings, acoustic and electronic percussion, and numerous melodic Asian elements. It is a wildly creative and immersive sound. Through the last verse of the song, the track’s various components all come together for a massive and emotional Chamber-Pop crescendo."
Static Dive