 Lost Monarchs ‘Eye On The Sun’ Album Review
Since I first stumbled upon Lost Monarchs, not only the band name, but also, the band itself immediately intrigued me. The Lost Monarchs most recent album, ‘Eye On The Sun’ came across my desk and at first lesson, I knew I had to try and spread the word here at jambandpurist.com While, I’m predominately on the East Coast, I wanted to give a shout out to some West Coast bands that need recognition are worthy of noting on my website. Sometimes we get very regional with our music selections and it’s always good to branch out and experience new sounds and bands. Recorded in Vista, California at Emerald Age Studios, ‘Eye On The Sun’ is a forthright and exceptional album, with many unique and creative compositions. The opening track, “Nothing Said” is a great opener with and a solid start to this album with great guitar riffs and heartfelt lyrics, that stick with the listener. I think this was a great choice for a song opener from Lost Monarchs. It sets the mood and draws the listener in. Some other noteworthy tracks that stood out to me were, “Shake The Booze,” which is a great drinking song with classic blues changes and great vocal delivery. The guitar work on this track is top-notch and has a very, West Coast vibe. Which is covered and smothered in reverb. “San Andreas” opens with an eerie guitar tone and a very catchy melody. This song sticks out due to its storytelling and unique composition. I would have to say, that this is possibly my favorite track off of ‘Eye On The Sun.’ This song has an ethereal, dreamy quality that suspends the listener in time, while still remaining linear and never deviating from its purpose. Both, “Dream I Know” and “Endless Summer” are a great juxtaposition with one another and both exemplify what Lost Monarchs brings to this album, ‘Eye On The Sun.” I recommend all my readers but especially those on the West Coast to check out Lost Monarchs. I’m sure their live shows are just as intriguing as this album is. I’m excited to share, ‘Eye On the Sun’ with all of you and wish, Lost Monarchs the best in their upcoming album release. Look for it on https://lostmonarchs.bandcamp.com/ now. JBP
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 Well, after a little hiccup, FloydFest 2020 has came back with a lineup that is truly unstoppable. This will be Jam Band Purist’s 3rd year at FloydFest and we couldn’t be happier to announce this lineup: 2 nights of The String Cheese Incident, Grace Potter, Andy Frasco, Leftover Salmon and most especially, Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew with Turkuaz. This is going to be something extra special for those that love The Talking Heads. I hope you all can make it to the mountaintop to see this amazing lineup next year.
Thanks to Floyd Fest and across the way productions.  Andy Frasco-Triple Header in Virginia (and Various Communicable Diseases)
It’s been a few weeks since I saw Andy Frasco and The U.N. in Richmond at River City Roll. I’ll be honest with you; my ears are still ringing on and off. I looked everywhere for my hearing protection before I left and couldn’t find them. I want to express the importance of hearing protection especially when seeing such a raw and rambunctious band as, Andy Frasco And The U.N. This hearing loss however does not keep Andy Frasco and his band of merry men from touring non-stop and even, hitting three dates here in Virginia. Andy Frasco has been on my must-see list since last January on my first Jam Cruise and although, he is not back on the boat this year, his spirit will forever be intertwined with that of Jam Cruise. Having been to the Brooklyn Bowl in NYC, I can my compare River City Roll with that venue but can honestly say, I like River City Roll alot better. The opening act, Wild Adriatic was off the charts talented and covered: Rick James “Mary Jane” and Frank Zappa’s “Muffin Man;” two songs that have a special place in my heart. I wasn’t sure how rowdy the crowd would get at this venue, as all was calm on the western front until The U.N. took the stage. Frasco can always rile up the crowd. It was quite a surprise to see Dave Schools of Widespread Panic silently hovering overtop me taking a video of the band onstage. I wanted so bad to talk with him and basically, “fan boy” out but I kept it together. Having been behind the scenes in this music business, I have seen how annoying people can be to artists just trying to live their lives. When the time is right, I’ll meet Schools and sometimes, it’s not always best to meet ones heroes. Andy’s act hasn’t changed much but I can see him slowly refining it, evolving and making it less about the pussy and more about a solid, fun, entertaining experience. The Charlottesville shows and Roanoke shows would both showcase Andy Frasco and The U.N.’s raw stage talent. I haven’t talked a lot about the band members themselves and want to applaud all of them for putting up with (Sweet Dick) Andy for this long! Shawn Eckles is one of the best guitarists on the scene, a hidden gem in a dusty quarry. Ernie Chang is a consummate player, although he can be over powered by the cacophony of sounds the band produces. Daniel Avila is obviously the heart of the band and extremely talented being able to shred guitar and sing. The numerous bassists that Frasco uses have become a revolving cast of characters but this tours, punk rock style player fits in just fine. The only thing the band is missing is Arno and the antics between him and Frasco but if we are being frank, he wouldn’t even fit on most of these stages. There’s not much more I can say about this triple header here in Virginia, having started a new job and working to make some solid income, I haven’t been able to see as many shows as usual but I’m glad that Frasco is one of them. I truly wish he was booked on Jam Cruise 2020 but I’m sure he will be back sooner than later. It’s awesome to see Andy and The U.N. coming into their own and finding their niche within this community. This band is exactly what we all need. Their energy is incomparable and every time I see them, I laugh, dance and have a memorable experience. Keep on doing what your doing. See you boys at Floydfest 2020! |
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