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Friday, August 9, 2019

Monarch "Beyond the Blue Sky"


Country: USA
Genre(s): Psychedelic, Retro Prog
LabelEl Paraiso Records - EPR053
Format: CD, digital, vinyl
Release date: August 9, 2019
Tracklist
1. Hanging By A Thread (7:05)
2. Divided Path (6:34)
3. Pangea (6:24)
4. Beyond The Blue Sky (6:17)
5. Phenomena (2:32)
6. Counterpart (4:12)
7. Felo De Se (5:50)

Total Time 38:54

Line-up
Dominic Denholm - Vocals, Guitar, Synth
Thomas Dibenedetto - Guitar, Synth, Saxophone, Wurlitzer Organ
James Upton - Guitar, Vocals, Vibraphone
Matt Weiss - Bass
Andrew Ware - Drums, Percussion
   With
Orion Ferguson - Synthesizer (1)

Description/Reviews
Monarch, an impressive 5-piece outfit from Encitas, California exude the full 70s aura of Progressive Rock: Organ shimmering, groove - inducing rhythm sections, sweet guitar licks and fusion-esque dynamics all rolled into an authentic early Prog sound akin to Spring, Quatermass, Caravan etc. 'Hanging by a Thread' oozes into life with slow, spacey murmurs before tumbling headlong into full-on Psychedelic Space Rock with searing twin-axe cadences... 'Divided Path' explores a Canterbury soundscape reminiscent of UK Proggers Diagonal's cruise-control quirky vibes. 'Beyond the Blue Sky's Allman Bros sound is sublime and caressing, Americana at its melodic best... 'Phenomena' and 'Counterpart' serve as a symbiotic entity: the former's subtle keys and piercing guitar the perfect foil for 'Counterpart's Eloy/Nektar hybrid. Musically accomplished and very easy on the ears, this album is a great introduction to any new Proghead's collection, and a shoe-in for us older guys who sigh wistfully and succumb to the nostalgia... (Reek of STOOM at stonerhive.blogspot.com)
Media/Samples 
Beyond The Blue Sky
Counterpart

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