From the Bay to the Bayou: the psych-soul of Monophonics

John Fogerty wasn’t really Born on the Bayou, neither were Monophonics; the psychedelic soul outfit are Bay Area through and through, but they certainly feel at home in the American South. Their recent outing at the New Orleans’ Bayou Rendezvous was critically lauded by Live for live music, who described the set as ‘like watching elements of all your favorite 60’s and 70’s funk and soul bands fuse into one sonic juggernaut’.

Their sounds lands somewhere between ‘60s soul and rock ‘n’ roll, with up-front electric organ, punchy brass and a corset-tight rhythm section. Names like The Chambers Brothers and Rufus Thomas spring to mind in describing the rootsy leanings of their soul/rock direction, but their ties to San Francisco also conjour up thoughts of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Cold Blood.

Remaining true to their roots, has becoming principal for the band who touch down for a brief UK tour in July, playing at Band on the Wall on 7th. Check out their incredible rendition of Tarantino favourite Bang Bang below.

Tasting notes: The Chamber Brothers, The Menahan Street Band, Smoove & Turrell, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Rufus Thomas