Back of the Queue - Monza Express
By Daffs aka @TwoDaff
Monza Express are a five-piece guitar band from Aberdeen, Scotland. Drawing influences from a variety of sources including The Beatles, Oasis, The Who, Foo Fighters and David Bowie. Starting off in their hometown and wowing audiences locally with their entertaining tunes, catchy riffs and memorable lyrics they are now branching out into the big wide world. With no fewer than 3 songwriters in the band they are adept at taking on different styles of music across their sets that hasn’t been seen since the glory days of Crosby, Stills & Nash or Glaswegian legends Teenage Fanclub.
The band consists of Fraser Bateman (Vocals, Rhythm guitars and Harmonica), Greg Burgess (Bass), Kris Fraser (Keyboards), Shaun Reid (Lead Guitar), and “Deco” Smith (Drums, Tambourine). Previous releases include ‘Lady Belle’, ‘Crying on the Radio’ and ‘Sunshine’ to name but a few. Monza Express are signed to the label Floortom productions.
Interest in the band continues to grow and they are now preparing to venture out of Aberdeen to play the world-famous Cavern Club in Liverpool in June 2023.They are set to release their latest single ‘Back of the Queue’ on 2nd June recorded at Floortom studios, Aberdeenshire and produced and mastered by Steve Curtis. According to the band:
"Lyrically it’s about moving on. Accepting getting a bit older, things changing around you, leaving things behind or being left behind. The starting lyrics were based off my daughter wiping her hands on my T-shirt when she was a toddler. It’s the first time we’ve used a harmonica on a track and it fits really well. We’ve opted to tie the release in with our Cavern Club set. The single will drop 15 minutes before we hit the stage at 00:15. Buzzing for it."
From the banks of the Dee to a Mersey Paradise with a hint of Cinnamon
You get a distinct 60’s vibe with this track, the opening strummed intro is melodic and velvety before a bass line punches through and transforms the feel. As the track progresses you are taken from the banks of the Dee to a Mersey Paradise with a hint of cinnamon, if you get my drift. And drift it does, hints of Beatle - esque psychedelia fused with a Roses sound creating an atmospheric almost haunting tone, yet it’s not a sad song, it works really well and sounds delightful.
A poignancy that’s relatable
Emotive heartfelt lyrics intertwine with the chiming melodic guitars, basslines climb and fall adding texture and a vibrancy all held together with 60’s beat. I like the vibe and sentiment behind the song, it has a poignancy that’s relatable…getting older happens to us all something we have to except, why pretend right? Its a creative blend of numerous legends of the past, with elements of 90's Britpop and the sounds of today. You hear the Beatles, you hear elements of The Who (well High Numbers) alongside the tuneful elements of the Roses, think 'Hardest Thing in the World' or 'Mersey Paradise', yet its their own sound and that's what is clever, taking influences and doing your own thing.
Shimmering guitars that add piquancy and colour
The introduction of the harmonica is brilliant, it gives an added groove and further enhances the 60’s vibe, whilst not detracting from the modern indie feel. It’s a great sound. Packed full of melodies with shimmering guitars that add piquancy and colour with harmonious choruses that shine. Its bright, vibrant and a real singalong track that is addictive. It’s a great sound and I look forward to hearing more from these guys. Bravo.
A great sound
Download back of the Queue here
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