New York-Based Nuke Wave Artist Monograms Announces Sophomore Album, Drops Lead Single “Hi Low”

by Kieran White | Apr 28, 2023

Brooklyn’s “Nuke Wave” artist Monograms, also known as Ian Jacobs, has announced his upcoming sophomore album, ‘A Fine Commitment,’ set for release on June 16, 2023, through PaperCup Music. Monograms has given fans a taste of the new album with the release of the lead single, “Hi Low,” on April 28.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of New Order and Nine Inch Nails, Monograms has crafted a distinctive sound that fuses Mancunian overtones with post-punk and new-wave elements. The lead single, “Hi Low,” showcases Monograms’ signature sound, with low-slung basslines, primordial chugging synthesizers, and stinging post-punk guitar riffs.

The single is a personal and lyrically visceral reflection on the ups and downs of life and the mental health struggles Monograms faced during his creative process. He found solace in a scene from the Madchester biopic ’24 Hour Party People,’ where a homeless person shared sage advice with Tony Wilson: “We get high, We go low.” This concept became an unlikely coping mechanism for Monograms and influenced the message behind “Hi Low.”

In a statement, Monograms shared, “I’m proud of taking something so dark and difficult and trying to make a song that felt uplifting, hopeful, triumphant. That was my aim, I wanted that from this story too.”

“Hi Low” was written and recorded by Monograms in Brooklyn in just one day, with Ben Rice assisting in production. Rice also produced the entirety of ‘A Fine Commitment.’

Monograms has supported a range of notable acts, including Cloud Nothings, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Ezra Furman, and Sunflower Bean. His music has been featured in film and television, including ‘Shameless’ and the SXSW Film Festival.

‘A Fine Commitment’ follows Monograms’ 2020 debut album, ‘Only A Ceiling Can Stay Inside Forever,’ and promises 12 dynamic tracks that merge post-punk, new-wave, industrial, and gritty pop in a thrilling sonic blend.