Monarch – Beyond The Blue Sky
El Paraiso Records – 2019 (August 12th)
Progressive, Heavy Psych, Stoner
Rated: ****
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...
(Written by Reek of STOOM)
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