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A major debut for Major and the Monbacks

Virginia band’s first album offers a modern spin on a classic rock sound

The eight-piece rock ‘n’ roll band known as Major and the Monbacks, featuring U.Va. alum Cole Friedman, his twin brother Neal and several other Norfolk natives, offers a sound reminiscent of 1960s rock.

Backed by an exhilarating horn section, a lively hypeman/percussionist and infectious rock grooves, the bluesy vocals draw listeners in and keep them hooked. Originating with high school friends jamming in a bedroom, The Monbacks revive the soul of classic rock ‘n’ roll.

Originally known as The Yolks and comprised of several current members, The Monbacks have made a name for themselves playing at fraternity parties around Virginia and touring around the East Coast. They recently finished recording their self-titled debut studio album, which will be released May 12.

The album is beautifully produced, featuring vintage recording equipment from the Welcome to 1979 Studio in Nashville. From the first track, “I Can Hardly Wait”, to the closing “I Do,” “Major and the Monbacks” is a ride through a refreshingly modern spin on 1960’s psychedelic garage rock, soul and ska all fused together. Every song boasts beautiful harmonies, catchy riffs and swelling horn sections.

After touring as far north as Vermont and as far south as Alabama, Major and the Monbacks have matured their sound into something incredibly enjoyable. From the swirling backing vocals played through a rotating Leslie speaker on “I Can Hardly Wait” to the “woo hoo hoo” hook on “Sunshine” to the guitar jams on “Fool,” “Major and the Monbacks” sounds like an upbeat, sun-soaked house party — the kind that you don’t ever want to end.


The Monbacks sound as in-sync and inspired as ever, and their album will surely not disappoint. The band will be touring across Virginia and the East Coast over the next few months to promote their new album, and they really are best experienced in person, with their live shows even more exhilarating than their self-titled release.

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