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SurfGuitar101 Forums » Music Reviews »

Permalink Reigning Monarch's new album - Black Sweater Massacre

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Wow! I just got my copy of Black Sweater Massacre by The Reigning Monarchs and I'm loving it. This record is magnificent, in the truest meaning of the word, which means "serving to magnify". Magnify they do, this record is HUGE! The Reigning Monarchs and their Kickstarter supporters certainly got their money's worth on the production on this, it's like cinemascope for your ears.

The band had a huge successful crowdsource campaign, which gave them a generous budget in the studio, but much credit for the success of the production has to go to the arrangements, which deftly leave lots of sonic space and give your ears lots to play with, while never overloading your brain. You'd think with all the instrumentation going on and the relative freedom in the studio, the album would start to sink under it's own weight, but they skillfully avoided that pitfall. These songs don't require strict attention by the listener, they flow easily through your ears and get right in your bones. Perfect for listening while driving or working, but just as perfect cranked at your next party.

The Reigning Monarchs are not a surf band per se, they're a guitar led instro band that has lots of surfy elements, much like Los Straitjackets can be described in similar fashion. What sets the RM's apart is: their energy level is very high, exposing a history of punk rock and/or metal influences. A tendency to swing, with the exception of their 3 Ska style songs, the album ranges from shuffle to heavy swinging. And finally, the use of a horn section to great effect. Punctuating throughout, sometimes taking the fore, it's truly glorious. What's even more amazing, all the horns were just one person - unbelievable!

Kudos must go to Michael Eisenstein who not only played lead guitar and helped write the songs, but he produced, engineer and mixed the album. And Greg Behrendt who is the driving force behind this great new(ish) instro band, and is a particularly good yeller Smile

You can check it out at http://music.thereigningmonarchs.com/ and download the album for a mere $7. Do it!

Danny Snyder

Latest project - Now That's What I Call SURF
_
"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

I'm back playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Last edited: Sep 24, 2013 00:48:45

Gave it a quick listen this morning. I was a little worried by how heavily they were using the word "reggae" leading up to it, but it's pretty fun aggressive rock with a few 3rd-wave-ish ska moments to it. Pretty much what I hoped for, right in line with the All Summer Single they put out a while ago.

Storm Surge of Reverb: Surf & Instro Radio

its blowing my mind right now, love it big time!

http://dinosaurghost.bandcamp.com/
http://sixtycyclehum.podbean.com

I'll definitely check this out. I liked their previous digital singles.

Site dude - S3 Agent #202
Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me

"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea

This is very flattering guys. Really. Mike and I are humbled and happy to be included... look forward to more interactions. The support is not taken lightly.

Sweater

Sweater up!

http://thereigningmonarchs.bandcamp.com

This pretty cool stuff, horns and all! Worth a listen for sure.
Great work guys.

Rock
A Man from S.U.R.F.
http://menfromsurf.com

Great record, my bass player Dave in The Del-Vipers played on the recording. Very cool stuff!

The Del-Vipers

Rossmosis wrote:

Great record, my bass player Dave in The Del-Vipers played on the recording. Very cool stuff!

The "Hawk" is an amazing bassist and a good man and your band is great! Just checked it out!!

Sweater up!

http://thereigningmonarchs.bandcamp.com

This guy get's it! IN INSTRO. Thought you guys might get a kick out of this it's certainly the biggest stage we'll ever see. And he was playing with Rick Nielsen. I think there's video somewhere.

image

Sweater up!

http://thereigningmonarchs.bandcamp.com

Last edited: Nov 13, 2013 18:46:44

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