New Monarch has today released their new single titled ‘Not Afraid’ from their upcoming debut full-length, self-titled album via Brahma Creative. Angst with attitude frosted with conviction, ‘Not Afraid’ takes that power of rock and hands it to the listener with a rebellious harmony and slick production that showcases the virtuosity of each band member.
I hear bits of rock bands past with a look forward to what could be. Queen level vocal harmonies and modern guitars that skate the line between white noise and black ops. Overall, though, there is a monster of a groove. A marching style song that grabs you and pushes you along in the hopes that you take the lead. This will leave you with enough adrenaline to start your day, or restart your life.
About New Monarch
New Monarch is composed of seasoned musicians who have already made their mark in the rock music scene. Guitarist and songwriter Ryan Williams, known for his work with Red Sun Rising, brings his experience and passion for music to the forefront, driving the band’s sound from garage roots to greatness. Joining him in the band are James Lascu and Matt Puhy, the powerhouse rhythm section formerly of Wilson, a band celebrated for their electrifying live performances. Together, they form a tight-knit unit of experienced musicians with a deep understanding of their craft.
The band’s vocalist Sabastian Duke’s, soulful voice and impressive vocal range serve as the perfect complement to the band’s hard-hitting instrumentation. His unique vocal style, filled with emotion and power, elevates each track.
The album, which was crafted mostly during the isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic, is an authentic reflection of the band members’ personal experiences during that time. The music on this album is pure, unfiltered, and true to New Monarch’s artistic vision. The band deliberately avoided listening to contemporary music, collaborating with other musicians, or touring during this period, allowing them to channel all their emotions and creativity directly into their music.
Later on, during the winter of 2022, Sweetwater Studios extended an invitation to New Monarch, alongside renowned producers Bob Marlette and Sahaj Ticotin, to conduct a Masterclass. They faced the challenge of composing, recording, and mixing an entire song in the presence of a live studio audience, all within four days. The final product was the current single, “Not Afraid,” which centers on the theme of self-advocacy and the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs.
The song “Margot Robbie” (released as a single in late 2023) embodies the essence of New Monarch flawlessly,” says Williams. With pounding drums, powerful bass, infectious guitar riffs, and uplifting vocals, the music serves as a critique of society through the lens of an alien invasion. “The most logical choice for these extraterrestrial beings is to capture our greatest treasure: the stunning Margot Robbie,” he concludes. Written way before the Barbie movie, the band was on to Robbie’s appeal before the masses caught on.
“Easy For You To Say” was a track that almost did not make it onto the final album. “We recorded a performance of it on camera, with producer Bob Marlette playing the keyboards. Upon releasing the video on YouTube, the positive response from fans prompted us to include it in the album,” Williams explains.
New Monarch has produced an album that resonates with the intensity of the times it was created in. Listeners can expect a dynamic collection of tracks that blend rock’s raw power with soulful melodies, all underscored by the band’s undeniable chemistry and skill.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/NewMonarchMusic/
https://www.instagram.com/newmonarchmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1TDEh4mecvCHTyG6yag7zA