The Last Monarchs of Fall
The Last Monarchs of Fall are a trio from the Arkansas Delta who have a new recently released self-titled EP. Three songs on the EP were written by Justin Castro and three songs were written by Presley Ray McLain. Justin and Presley sing together in entwining harmonies throughout their musical offerings, making for a delightful effect. The duo play intricate acoustic guitar in songs that are expressive and thoughtful, treating obstacles and trials honestly without sugarcoating, but also without dwelling in darkness.
“Gone Again” starts out with a little percussion that sounds like it could be a springtime frog, and then the dual vocalists harmonize the mournful lament: “the air is cool but the field is on fire… gone, gone again.” “Love is War” has a catchy rhythm about trying to catch up: “poor in cash and rich with songs, traveling friends with lonely hearts…”
“Extradition” tackles that sick feeling that happens when you have to handle the law when you’re just trying to live your life: “how far is Atlanta from Juarez, Mexico…? I got a letter from the state, I need to go, I’m tired of hiding.”
“Delta” is an uptempo song that references things that have fallen by the wayside and not gone our way, but it’s sung against a backdrop of moving along anyway: “a paperback book dropped in the rain at the best part.” Just keep moving along, that’s life in the delta, and everywhere else too.
This EP was produced by The Last Monarchs of Fall, and engineered, mixed, and mastered by Presley Ray McLain. The Last Monarchs of Fall tour quite a lot, you can find their tour dates and more details here: https://thelastmonarchsoffall.com/
Musicians on the album are Presley Ray McLain on vocals, bass, backing vocals, guitar, and piano; Justin Castro on vocals, guitar, backing vocals and lap steel; and Ian Sloan on drums, percussion, and tambourine.
Find the music streaming, here:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-last-monarchs-of-fall-ep/1745525129
https://open.spotify.com/album/5h6wSSjD1Gt5ysjZjVXUEY?si=dEmHetWVRfuhgb2CTZ21LQ
