Last Man Media [Release date 06.10.23]
Uncle Frank were formed in 2003 by Fun Lovin’ Criminals’ drummer (and vocalist with Uncle Frank) Frank Benbini and guitarist Naim Cortazzi and ‘Diablo’ is the band’s fourth album. They are joined by Darryl Jnr Benbini on drums and Luke Kool on bass.
First off, the Queen fans amongst you may have spotted Uncle Frank’s tribute to Queen’s iconic cover on their ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ album. They do fully credit Queen for the concept on the album’s liner notes and it certainly grabs the attention as did the original cover concept!
The opening du0 of the title track and ‘Mary Jane’ show the rocking side of Uncle Frank’s music. The chorus on ‘Mary Jane’ is simply superb, whilst the guitars and drums provide the song with plenty of heft.
‘So High’, a dreamy ode to soulmates, which Benbini describes as “sounding like it might have fallen off the back of a late ‘70s Rolling Stones album.” This reviewer would add Fun Lovin’ Criminals to the song’s sound description too. The guitar on this one flows effortlessly over the soulful organ fills.
They seemingly pen radio friendly songs for fun as recent single ‘Be There’ proves to be another instant hit with the listener. ‘Off In The Distance’ mixes a neat blend of rock with a grooving backdrop.
Benbini describes ‘Exercise Them Rights’ as the album’s curveball, saying, “It’s about accepting vulnerability, having the right to feel out of sorts with the world and your own mind.” Brings to mind Blue October and REM and one of the album’s key songs.
Funky, rocking and soulful, Uncle Frank have produced an album that will get plenty of plays and deserving of a place in any self-respecting music fan’s collection. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
UK tour dates -
06 Oct The Soundhouse, Leicester
08 Oct The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh
09 Oct Stereo, Glasgow
10 Oct Live at The Kings Head, Salford
13 Oct Slaughtered Lamb, London, United Kingdom
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Power Plays w/c 21 April 2025
THE DEVIL WEARS NADA Late Night Talking (Eonian Records)
DROWNING POOL Madness (SBG Records)
PARKER BARROW Make It (indie)
REDIKIN Nailed It (Wormholedeath)
PENNY FOUNTAIN Euphoria (indie)
CRY FOR MERCY Saving Grace (indie)
VIGILANTES Life In The Fast Brain (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 21 April 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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