If the idea of seeing a live show of ambient Japanese post-rock music makes you politely yawn, prepare to be rudely awakened by Tokyo-based quartet Mono. Highly influential in international underground music circles, the group has steadily climbed the ladder of what passes for success in today’s avant-garde arena— meaning loads of critical acclaim above and beyond what the record sales may show. But what is remarkable about Mono, led by guitarist Takaakira Goto (who concieved the entire project himself prior to searching for band members), is the intensity of the live performances the group delivers. It is difficult to guess just by listening to Mono’s music what’s in store for the audience, but somehow the brooding subtlety of the sound trancends into something incomparably beautiful when they take the stage. Goto’s successful collaboration with Katsuhiko Maeda (the sole force behind World’s End Girlfriend) is evidenced by 2005’s joint venture Palmless Prayer/Mass Murder Refrain (Temporary Residence), and continues as the two join forces for this tour. San Fransico instumental group the Drift come along, too.

Saturday, April 14 at 9pm. Soundlab, 110 Pearl St. (440-5907) www.bigorbitgallery.org/soundlab.

$8 advance (TicketWeb.com), $10 at door