Who are they: Napat “Boom” Prucksachattawon (vocals, acoustic guitar and effects), Katawut “Ply” Chandaeng (guitar and effects), Kanes “Ken” Ongarjwuttiwong (bass, synthesizer, keyboard and backing vocals) and Apikorn “Ham” Vibhatakalas (guitar, noise, glockenspiel and drums).

Label: Panda Records

What we say: Bangkok may be awash with dream-pop bands, but there aren’t too many acts tackling the darker side of shoegaze. This latest member of the Panda Records stable brings an element of danger to the city’s stages with a multi-layered sound that’s by turns ambient, noisy and, above all, trippy.

What the experts say: “Monomania is the one band I’d want everyone to catch live on stage, because they make it their own. Their melodies are very interesting and they have a big stage presence. Catch them just once and before you know it you’ll be part of the fanclub.” —Thantrarawich “Boat” Ripunchaiyarpong, co-owner of Play Yard by Studio Bar.

Watch "Roong See Tao" here:

RCA Block C, Rama 9 Rd., 081-304-6907. Open daily 7:30pm-2am.

Cosmic Café has forged a reputation as a relatively low-key retreat on the normally beat and bass happy RCA strip and, more importantly, as probably Bangkok’s premier live music venue. Not only does the bar present a daily lineup of underground acts, topped off by Friday night’s stellar Outside-In Live series that’s featured bands like Casinotone, Blue’s Bar and Two Million Thanks, its small stage has also played host to interesting international acts like Yacht, King Khan & BBQ Show and Cold Cave.

Ramindra Soi 14, Kasetnawamind Rd., 02-907-2228. Open daily 6pm-2am.

Despite its inconvenient location on the outskirts of Bangkok, Parking Toys is well worth the trek, thanks to its nightly line-up of great live music—not to mention the eclectic crowd it draws. The place is more often than not packed out with punters enjoying sounds ranging from electronica to rockabilly and jazz. Apartmentkhunpa, Ornaree and Hugo are among the familiar names to grace the small stage, along with fresh faces like Mattnimare and Sixty Ninth. And don’t worry about getting all dressed up because no one here really cares.

62-64 Ladprao 122 (Ramkhamheang 65), Soi 10. 085-162-2111.

Owned by the members of our new favorite electro-rock band Dot, who are also behind Rats Records (also home to Part Time Musicians and The Whitest Crow), Haus20 Design&Dine but really came to the fore with a slew of cool gigs throughout the past year. They’ve hosted the likes of Tabasco, Colonial, Bear Garden and Basement Tape.

Adhere 13

13 Samsen Rd., Phranakorn, 09-769-4613. Open daily 6pm-midnight.

This Banglamphoo bar features blues belted out by energetic musicians sitting casually in the middle of the punters in between jams. Try it on a weekend if you want a warm atmosphere, but it will be hard to get a table as just 20 people pack the tiny place out.

1/F Pranakorn Bar Building, 58/2 Damnoen Klang Rd., 086-365-0066.

Like Play Yard by Studio Bar, this little space on the first floor of the longstanding Pranakorn Bar is run by people who take their music very seriously. It’s an exciting addition to the charming Rattanakosin area and occasionally hosts gigs featuring bands from Parinam Music, Panda Records and Newlight Project.