Monaco (band)
| Monaco | |
|---|---|
| Origin |
Greater Manchester England |
| Genres | Alternative rock, post-punk, indie rock, alternative dance, house |
| Years active | 1995–2000 |
| Labels |
Polydor (1996–1999) Papillon (2000) |
| Associated acts | Joy Division, New Order, Revenge |
| Past members |
Peter Hook David Potts |
Monaco was a side project of New Order bassist Peter Hook. Together with David Potts, the only remaining member of Revenge, the band was formed in 1995. The group is best known for the 1997 single "What Do You Want From Me?" and the album from which it was taken, Music for Pleasure, which sold over half a million copies. Hook and Potts currently perform together in Peter Hook and The Light.
Potts initially met Hook while working as a tape operator in his studio. He was later recruited to play guitar on Revenge's EP, Gun World Porn in 1992. After the breakup of Revenge, Hook and Potts reunited to form a more dance-oriented alternative group. Their first album, Music for Pleasure, was released in 1997. Some critics remarked on the similarities to New Order's sound, owing to Hook's recognizable bass style and the resemblance between Potts' vocal style and Bernard Sumner's. Three singles were released from the album: "What Do You Want From Me?", "Sweet Lips", and "Shine (Someone Who Needs Me)".
In 1999, Polydor Records rejected Monaco's follow up album, the self-titled Monaco, due to changing trends in music at the time. In a money saving move, the label opted to focus on more commercially-successful artists. Papillon Records agreed to release the album, though the planned single release of "I've Got A Feeling" was recalled in the UK due to sample clearance issues. "See-Saw" was later released as a limited run 12" single. Despite favorable reviews, the album was released with little to no promotion, and has become a collectible item.
In 2000, tensions mounted in the studio, partly due to Potts' dissatisfaction with the band's failure to depart from a New Order-like sound, and partly due to Potts' workload. Following what Potts called "a disastrous gig" at the Eclipse festival, Hook and Potts had a major argument. They both took a break, and after letting things cool down, they met and decided it was best to split up Monaco. Potts eventually went on to form RAM and released a solo album, Coming Up For Air. Meanwhile Hook reunited with New Order, playing with them until 2007, and formed Freebass in 2007.
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