Monaco

Monaco are an English rock band, originally formed in 1995 as a side project of New Order bassist Peter Hook, together with David Potts, the only remaining member of Hook's previous New Order side project, Revenge. 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. In July 2019, Hook announced that the band were to return, performing a new Monaco track "Higher, Higher, Higher Love" during Peter Hook and The Light's ‘Joy Division Orchestrated’ show at London's Royal Albert Hall. Debut album 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 recognisable 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)". Second album In 1999, Polydor Records rejected Monaco's eponymous second album, due to changing trends in music.. 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.