Monogroove - The Flip Side (2024)

Monogroove's Extraordinary "The Flip Side"
review by -John V's Eclectic Avenue
Monogroove, the fantastic West Coast band led by the incomparable Rin Lennon, are back with their latest release, The Flip Side. Like the group's last two albums, There's Something Here and Into The Sun, The Flip Side is a fabulous record, filled with a terrific selection of rock, pop, folk, and punk flavored songs, which are steeped in the sounds of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, ranging from the ultra-cool, retro vibe of the opening track "Modern Day Romeo" to straight ahead rockers like "Brimstone" and the psychedelic-tinged "So Many Other Lives."

Lennon's extraordinary vocals, tender and angelic one moment, imbued with tough girl swagger the next, are passionate and filled with conviction. Just check out the phenomenal "I Am The Sun" and the 1960s pop-inspired "I Think Of You" and "I Don't Wanna Say" to see what I mean. Her guitar playing is also terrific, and is ably matched by the outstanding work of the band, which features Michael George on guitar and vocals, Jay Smith on drums and vocals, and Alias Wilde on bass. From the fabulous ballad "Let Me Know" to the modern rock flavored sound of "Mine All Mine," their top-notch musical chops, and superb vocals and harmonies, are clearly in evidence throughout the album.

The Flip Side also features a pair of very cool covers. The group's high-energy take on "(I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone" (previously recorded by the likes of Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Monkees and The Sex Pistols) is a groovy delight, and their heartfelt rendering of Coven's "One Tin Soldier" is a powerful version of a song whose themes are more topical than ever in these often fractious times. It's not easy to re-do well-known songs like these and truly make them your own, but Monogroove succeeds admirably with their superb renditions of these classic, much loved tunes.

Every track on The Flip Side (which will be released on January 5) is worthy of multiple spins, from pop-flavored confections like "My Town" to guitar-infused rockers like "Tuff on Dirt" and "Dirty Dogs." These brilliantly crafted songs are definitely going to become new favorites, and are absolutely worthy of being added to your personal playlists. This is an exceptional record, made with care and affection by musicians who like ourselves, are clearly fans of the rock, pop, punk and power pop of the classic era.