Monophonics, the San Francisco treat! Building on my last blog about the resurgence of Funk & Soul music, I’d like you all to meet Monophonics. “Black Rock” or “Psychedelic Soul” is a sub-genre of Soul music that rose to popularity in the 1960’s and 1970’s. By blending together the smooth sounds of soul and the energy of rock, musicians were able to showcase music that reflected the feelings of the youth during the civil rights movement. Does the resurgence of this type of music reflect the opinions of a generation that continues to lash out at the current establishment? Possibly, but that’s something i’d like to discuss in a later post. Right now as a bboy and dancer this music is a fresh take on an old sound. For me it means that I can look forward to new music being created within a genre that’s pushing 40.
If you live in the Salt Lake City area, Monophonics will be performing tonight at Urban Lounge. Check the link for more info.
Monophonics
Over the past six years, Monophonics have staked their claim as the San Francisco Bay Area’s premier funk/soul band. Raised amid the city’s rich musical culture, these young musicians proudly carry on the tradition of music native to their hometown.
Monophonics were formed in 2005; originally an instrumental ensemble comprised of guitarist Ian McDonald, bassist Myles O’Mahony, saxophonist Alex Baky, trumpeter Ryan Scott, and drummer Austin Bohlman, the band has recently added the dynamic soul vocals of keyboardist Kelly Finnigan. The result is psychedelic soul & heavy funk, which harks back to the stylings of the late 60’s and early 70’s, all while keeping its feet planted in the present.
Already in 2011, the group has showcased their new sound with the release of a 7” entitled “Like Yesterday,” for Colemine Records. The record feature’s members of the Los Angeles based funk group Orgone, and will be distributed across the United States, Europe and Japan. Also in 2011, Monophonics will complete their third album to date, lacing the sounds of the late 60’s/early 70’s psych soul with fuzz guitars, freaky synthesizers, hard-driving drums and bass, funky horns and gritty vocals, a sonic testimony to the evolution of this six-piece unit.
One more video for you. Let us know what you think about them in the comments. Have you been to their live show? how was it?
