Since their inception in 1999, Japan's MONO have seen their world expand and unfold like one of their own songs; glacial and grandiose, their ever-growing circle of friends (which they like to call their "family") has made the world their home.

Having made few friends and no lasting relationships in North America by the time they had released their second album, One Step More and You Die (2002), they were very near giving up.

However, in 2003 they signed to Temporary Residence Limited, and subsequently saw their morale drastically change for the better.

(Had we known it would have made such a difference, we would have signed them earlier...please forgive us).

In late 2003 they were introduced to Steve Albini, who would go on to engineer every recording they've released since, including their breakthrough album, You Are There (2006).

The Sky Remains The Same As Ever is a nearly two-hour document of the recording sessions for You Are There, and the several worldwide tours that followed its release.

In addition to the dozen live songs that are documented in all their sweaty fury, the film captures the decidedly less glamorous aspects of being an underground rock band from a foreign country, expressing sentiments through body language out of necessity, and driving...lots and lots of driving.

Most effectively, the film displays the friendships that have made MONO's journeys enjoyable, and the fanatical dedication that has made it all possible.