New Monarchy

London's Monarchy have been one of Tracasseur's favourite bands since they first emerged late last year. They even made it to my Best of 2009 list, and I can tell you they were close to making it onto Arnie's as well. So when we get stuff from them it easily turns into a fight over who gets to write about them. This time I came out on top since I'm the stronger one of us...

"The Phoenix Alive" is Monarchy's new single, and we first heard the Octans Edit in the new great Kitsuné Maison Compilation 9, that will be out officially April 26 but that you already can buy at digital stores. It sounded like another amazing track from Monarchy, with the same high standard as superb "Gold In The Fire".

I'm not sure what the exact recipe is but the mix of brilliant pop, melodic electronica, great production and gentle vocals surely will put Monarchy in top of the charts of 2010. They have really got better recognition since we first wrote about them back in November and it's fully understandable. These guys are true talents, they make it look so easy to make fantastic music that nobody can resist, it's love from the first listen.

"It Must Be Love" is the b-side of the single and it's also a pearl. Slower and more 80s synth ballad a la Alphaville or A-ha. It's not decided yet if it's going to make it on the debut album, that are said to be released in June. Can't hardly wait, I think it's one of the hottest releases this year. If it's as great as the tracks they released so far together with their remixes of Ellie Goulding, Marina & the Diamonds, Fyfe Dangerfield and Penguin Prison it's going to be the record of the year when we summarize 2010.

"The Phoenix Alive"/"It Must Be Love" are about to be released May 10 via This Is London. Buy it when it hits the stores and give Monarchy all your love.

Monarchy - The Phoenix Alive

Monarchy - The Phoenix Alive (The Octans Edit) by Tracasseur

Monarchy - The Phoenix Alive (Kris Menace Remix)

Monarchy - The Phoenix Alive (Hot City Mix)

Monarchy - It Must Be Love