Our Newest Release
Released 9/9/24
Radio Guitar One Luke Wolk's Review:
Having been inspired to return to the studio after the success of the debut album Frankie V and The Lonely Club returned in 2024 with their second full length release Big Top. This album is a clear evolution of their sound that is securely cemented in roots rock, flirting with blues and even surf rock at times. To assist in expanding the sound saxophonist Ricky DeHoyos was brought in to work with long time band members Frankie V, Lead Vocal, guitar; Rich Sylvester, keyboards, vocals; Johnny Valentine, Bass and Mike Lencioni, drums and vocals.
One of the standout tracks is an acoustic piece and title track Big Top. This band reminds me of the 70's rock legends ELO a handful of times throughout this record, but the influence seems most obvious on this cut. A simple arrangement with very basic instrumentation keeps this song right in the pocket allowing the lyric and wonderful vocal take to come through the mix unencumbered. The vocal has a rich and unforced delivery inspiring repeated listening.
The instrumental cut Pleasure Point is a cross between classic surf and The Doors. It's a cool mix of influences coming together into its own space quite comfortably. It has the surf instincts but the dreamy soundscape that made The Doors legends of the 60's. A simple melody creates the mood while some spring reverb and a pinch of natural gain brings the song unmistakably into the surf realm. It is a cut that would be right at home in a Tarantino movie.
Another cut that takes me back to ELO is See You Again. The chorus takes an unexpected and hip turn with some minor chords that have surprising impact. There is a bit of Mark Knopfler influenced guitar playing that is just the right amount of spice for this catchy roots rock song. There is enough to let the listener know there is a player in the room using tasteful licks to draw a bit of the spotlight, but not overstaying the welcome.
This Love is a ZZ Top-esque blues rocker with the classic blues changes that are a time tested winner. The tone is sweaty and dirty in the way this kind of music is supposed to be. The choruses again take me back to the 70's when bands like Foghat and Grand Funk Railroad ruled the airwaves. At the end of the chorus the surf influence rears its unmistakable head again, pleasantly surprising this writer.
This ten song set and sophomore release from the San Francisco Bay Area ensemble is just plain cool. Fans of the heyday of 70s rock and roll will love this album throughout. There simply isn't any filler on it. Each cut is well written, recorded and performed. Lots of bands fall short on the second release, not having the time to write the songs like they did on the debut, but that is not the case with this band. This record is a step forward, hitting the mark on all creative fronts. I look forward to hearing their next release!
Mesmerized Review:
Frankie V and the Lonely Club return with “Big Top”, an album that defies easy categorization, dipping into a spectrum of genres while leaning on a distinctly retro production style. The opener, “This Love,” sets the tone with an intensity that feels like a sports car slicing through a deserted highway at night—its riffs exuding an effortless cool.
“See You Again” takes a different turn, anchored by a lush organ and a velvety hook that lingers as they croon, “Bye Bye Baby, see you again on the other side.” The title track, “Big Top,” stands out with its unexpected chord shifts, throwing in some curveballs that keep you on your toes, while “Black Widow” taps into jam-band territory, stirring up a sense of nostalgia for sun-soaked festival days. The delicate, dreamy “Pleasure Point” features intricate guitar work that elevates the track, and “Slo Burn” feels like a long-lost gem from the ’70s, dripping with vintage swagger.
On “Nothing Above You,” they hit the emotional bullseye, delivering the kind of tearjerker ballad that feels timeless, while “Heartbeat” and “The Light” keep the momentum with their sharp, melodic sensibilities. Closer “Alone” caps off the record with a hard-hitting rock anthem that leaves you wanting more. Big Top is a refreshing antidote to the polished sterility that dominates the mainstream—Frankie V and the Lonely Club keep things raw, unpredictable, and thoroughly engaging.
Buzzslayer's Review
On their sophomore release, Big Top, Frankie V and the Lonely Club expand their sonic palette, infusing their rock foundation with threads of soul and funk—and the results are undeniably captivating.
The opener, “This Love,” revives the spirit of classic rock with a fresh intensity. The riffs hit with swagger, evoking the grit and danger that rock at its core embodies. It’s the kind of track that reminds you why rock thrives on attitude, each note feeling urgent and alive.
“See You Again” taps into a '70s vibe, blending the melodic richness of Boston with the expansive, psychedelic tones of Pink Floyd. The guitar tones are lush, and the vocal hook—particularly the “Bye Bye Baby” refrain—lingers long after the song fades. It’s a standout moment of nostalgia fused with modern edge.
The title track, “Big Top,” anchors itself with a massive kick drum, while the surrounding instrumentation morphs and shifts, creating a sense of fluidity within a steady beat. “Black Widow” then shifts gears, mixing funk and soul with a groove that’s impossible to ignore. Credit here goes to the bassist, whose rhythmic foundation gives the track its infectious bounce.
“Pleasure Point” feels like it’s been lifted from the soundtrack of a dusty, sun-soaked road movie—hazy and distant, with echoes of The Doors in its cinematic sweep. Then there’s “Slo Burn,” which despite its name, carries a high-energy classic rock vibe, bolstered by a horn section that elevates the track.
“Nothing About Love” stands out as one of the album’s most beautiful moments, driven by a soaring lead guitar, while “Heartbeat” bursts with crescendos that deliver pure elation.
The soul influence is undeniable on “The Light,” which flirts with gospel, offering a moment of spiritual uplift. The closer, “Alone,” wraps things up with an explosive energy. It’s a celebratory track with a dark lyrical contrast, offering a poignant reflection on loneliness disguised as a party anthem.
With Big Top, Frankie V and the Lonely Club have crafted an eclectic album that pulls from a wide range of genres, from classic rock to funk to soul, all while maintaining a cohesive, joyful energy. It’s a wild, thrilling ride from start to finish.
RagMag's Review
Frankie V and the Lonely Club's Big Top immediately transports you into a time warp with its opening track, "This Love." There's a warm, analog feel to it that suggests it could’ve easily slipped into rotation in the late ‘70s or early ‘80s. It’s not just the guitar solos or classic rock instrumentation that evokes that era—it’s the whole sonic aesthetic. The production feels unforced, confident in its vintage nods, and there’s something about it that’s undeniably appealing.
While the band shifts through various styles across the album, they maintain a cohesive, retro vibe throughout. "See You Again" stands out, powered by a chorus that sticks and some sharp, well-timed drum triplets that elevate the track. Then there’s the title track, "Big Top," which carries a faint echo of Led Zeppelin’s more acoustic moments, yet manages to carve its own space.
Tracks like "Black Widow" beg for a spin on the dancefloor, while "Pleasure Point" slips into a hazier, dreamlike groove. "Slo Burn" feels timeless in its execution, leaning into a laid-back, unhurried delivery, while "Nothing Above You" offers a more soothing, contemplative atmosphere—its subtlety has a calming effect.
"Heart Beat" brings a celebratory energy, and "The Light" adds a touch of soul to the mix, showcasing the band's range. They cap things off with "Alone," a closer that leaves an undeniable mark.
Throughout Big Top, Frankie V and the Lonely Club wear their influences proudly, but they channel those familiar sounds with a sense of purpose. This is a band that knows exactly what they’re doing, and they pull it off with style. From start to finish, Big Top is a strong, well-crafted album.