Kevin Bronson on January 21st, 2015

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The debut single from the new quartet Monarch comes steeped in melodrama, dripping with melody and drenched in synth, all of which seem to be ingredients for success in today’s pop world. The L.A.-based band features two members of OneRepublic, keyboardist Brian Willet and bassist Brent Kutzle, along with drummer Joel Plotnik (A Fine Frenzy and, back in the day, Castledoor) and vocalist Brennan Strawn. The latter bears a remarkable vocal similarity to Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol on this single, which is the from an EP the foursome has in the works. “Apollo” is expected out in the spring. More big emotional arcs to come.

||| Stream: “Stay”