Press:

“BACK TO SCHOOL review by Jackie Benton WOW! Best song in forever! Amazing how a song can awaken the wretchedness of school captivity! All the biting memories. Back to school is a mirror of those years. Every word, every plea for freedom echoes the misery of ABC’s: people who were nasty to me...right back a’cha! The lyrics cry the truth of the anger and frustration. Screw you all for wasting my youth and time. I’ out’a here!!!”
Jackie Benton/Actress - Jackie Benton Studios

““Someone” has shimmering acoustics and high-pitched lead and harmony vocals in the LMNOP tradition. “Sun Needs A Holiday” is a great song title and is a kind of early Lennon-McCartney and Herman’s Hermits hybrid. “Chasing The Sound” opens like the Beatles’ “Getting Better” and is a charming ode to songwriting and playing in a band. The chorus somewhat recalls “Think For Yourself” from Rubber Soul. “Halo” takes an unlikely song title and wrings some lovely rhymes and lyrics out of it, with angelic backing vocals and ringing electrics. I daresay some of the lead vocals evoke Sir Paul. “Meant For Me” is constructed with a chord scheme that moves freely between major and minor, plus clapping for good measure. “All Day All Night” has a Kinks-like title, Beatley harmonies and jangly “Mr. Tambourine Man” guitars.”
Dino DiMuro - Pitch Perfect Magazine

“The band’s phenomenal lineup features Rin Lennon and Michael George on guitar, Alex Ritter on bass, and Jay Smith on drums. Their undeniable chemistry and stellar musical chops help power Popsicle Drivethru into the rock and roll stratosphere. It’s clear that these top-notch musicians enjoy creating music and playing together, and that vibe comes thru on every song on the album. If you’re already a Monogroove devotee, I’m sure you don’t need more convincing to check out this magnificent album, but if you’re new to the splendid sounds of Monogroove, then Popsicle Drivethru is a great place to start your journey into becoming a fan of the band! Check out the album and get more information about the group and their music by heading over to bandcamp, by following this link: https://monogroove.bandcamp.com/album/popsicle-drivethru. and everywhere else online”
John Visconti - John V's Eclectic Avenue

“Monogroove albums always make me think of sunshine and “Popsicle-Drivethru” is no exception. If your musical tastes lean towards harmonies, old school pop songwriting and guitars then Monogroove might well both suit your ears and bring a smile to your face. https://bluesbunny.com/reviews/reviewid/3350/xmps/11123/fbclid/iwy2xjawl2jr5lehrua2flbqixmabicmlketf5sglqufjrslcwuexpm0o2ar6l-aeto_rpichlv5mgelq9bp4xvzebclfhgg5entc3x6cvekjolpwwcnjv0w_aem_kfj1c9olv8ew_rjdap3c2q”
Blues Bunny - Blues Bunny Reviews

“Music to be experienced many times! I can't say enough about this recording--poetry in sound! The instruments, the voices, the harmony...perfect!!! The songs speak of life and its many facets. THANK YOU MONOGROOVE!!”
Jackie Benton/Actress - Jackie Benton Studios

“Ed and I just finished listening to it from start to finish, blasting the speakers like I was 20 years old again. (The neighbors were getting on my nerves anyway😅). It’s really a superlative record, even for you, my dearest Rin. I think it might just be the best Monogroove album -Ever! 💕 Great songs, super tight band arrangements, fabulous vocals-Love it!!!! Kudos to you, Michael, Jay, and Alex! Also to Steve’s production!”
Woody Cross - Woodys Reviews

“The other day I was contacted by a very polite lass named Rin Lennon, who asked me if I was still taking submissions for my blog, The Purple Bottle. Now, The Purple Bottle has been dormant for the last fifteen years. However, as she asked so nicely and sent me mp3s of his band, Monogroove, how could I refuse?”
Marc Hewson - The Purple Bottle

“In the case of the prolific, Northern California - based Monogroove, band founder and guitarist Rin Lennon has assembled a revised line up (including guitarist Michael George, Alex Ritter-bass guitar and drummer Jay Smith) for this latest release. Happily, The Flip Side remains true to the band's mission statement by continuing to deliver above the herd.”
Mike McDowell - Blitz Magazine

“The future is so bright we are all going to have to wear shades. That is probably going to be necessary because of radiation rather than sunshine but, if you like your sunshine in a sixties style, then you won’t go far wrong with a listen to “The Flip Side” by Monogroove.”
Blues Bunny - Blues Bunny Magazine

“Monogroove, the fantastic West Coast band led by the incomparable Rin Lennon, are back with their latest release, The Flip Side. Like the group's last two albums, There's Something Here and Into The Sun, The Flip Side is a fabulous record, filled with a terrific selection of rock, pop, folk, and punk flavored songs, which are steeped in the sounds of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, ranging from the ultra-cool, retro vibe of the opening track "Modern Day Romeo" to straight ahead rockers like "Brimstone" and the psychedelic-tinged "So Many Other Lives."- continue reading from link”
John Visconti - John V's Eclectic Avenue

“MONOGROOVE - THE FLIP SIDE 1/13/2024 Comments Monogroove The Flip Side ​TapTune records 2024 4.0 out of 5 ​By ​Dino DiMuro Monogroove is a retro power pop group from Crescent City, California who’ve just released a new album titled The Flip Side. Even before I heard their cover version of “Stepping Stone,” I thought of the Monkees when I heard these guys, and from me that’s nothing but good. The band members are Rin Lennon (guitar/vocals), Michael George (guitar/vocals), Jay Smith (drums/vocals) and Alias Wilde (bass guitar). You can find their downloads and CDs for sale on Bandcamp, where they have a blindingly purple psychedelic home page. Though I started off with headphones, I switched to my computer speaker to approximate the feel of my old transistor radio. “Modern Day Romeo” gets us off to a bright, upbeat start with British Invasion vocals and ringing guitars. If you love the sound of the early Beatles, The Dave Clark Five, continue reading”
Dino DiMuro - Pitch Perfect

“MONOGROOVE is a four piece band that hails from Crescent, California. They are a great pop alternative band with great popish songs that will surely grow on you.”
JIM ALLFORD - Steel Notes Magazine

“The Flip Side by Monogroove Don’t miss this one! Nothing is wrong and everything is right! The songs are outstanding with lyrics that reach every heart...telling our stories.The harmony and the clarity of the voices are amazing, the words too good to miss, poetry that sings the truth. Impossible to pick out a “best song”. They’re ALL best songs. Every one has something piercing to say. Every instrument carries the message. The guitar intro to “I Am the Sun” is amazing as are all the instruments. Listen carefully to these songs, they teach and remind with truth.”
Jackie Benton - Blogspotbenton

“White Mans World, The Song of the Year songwriting contest has awarded Rin Lennon the Semi-Finalist placement in the song contest. Song of the Year receives entries from all over the world and only the top songwriters receive a Semi-Finalist placement in the songwriting competition.”
Elizabeth Allen - Song Of The Year Contest

“might come from America’s west coast but stylistically they’re all over the map. Their most recent LP Into the Sun has a distinctive 1960s California pop feel, except when its giving off a very English pop vocal vibe. Then at different points you’d swear record’s genre is psych pop, only to have things switch to early 1960s sweetheart rock and roll motifs”
Dennis Pilon - Pop Rock Records

“The band Monogroove from Southern California has been prolific over the last couple of years. Back in 2020 they released There's Something Here which we reviewed at Divide and Conquer. They must have gotten back to work writing new material because their newest release INTO THE SUN contains fourteen songs. The band still had a classic sound to my ears that goes back predominantly to the ’60s and ’70s. ​The album opens with “WHAT I SEE IN YOU” and my first thoughts were that this sounded like a long lost song from The Beatles. In fact I thought the singer on this track has some similarities to John Lennon. It's a well-written song consisting of jangly guitar chords, a nice groove and a killer bass line. The vocal harmonies were also a nice element to the mix. READ MORE HERE https://www.divideandconquermusic.com/indie-music-album-reviews/monogroove-into-the-sun”
Jamie Funk - DIVIDE AND CONQUER

“Into The Sun is a phenomenal record, which should enthrall dyed in the wool music fans who dig 1960s, 70s and 80s pop/rock. Monogroove not only celebrates the sound of the groups that inspired them, they masterfully put their own spin on these beloved rock and roll genres.The album is a must listen for those who like their rock and roll played with heart, passion, and soul.”
John Visconti - John V's Eclectic Avenue

“The music on There’s Something Here has a timeless feeling, and also sounds fresh and up to date. The songs on this album are masterful compositions that will get stuck in your head, inspire you, and touch your heart. If you love the iconic sounds of the 60s, 70s and 80s, There’s Something Here is essential listening.”
John Visconti - John V's Eclectic Avenue

“It is probably a sign of the times that I don’t get to hear many bands that could be accused of producing songs that contain any sort of hope so it is perhaps no surprise that, to give us songs of that sort, Monogroove have pulled the musical influences for their latest album “There’s Something Here” from way back in the sixties. So, with a healthy dose of the old jingle jangle and harmonies plenty, Monogroove set out to put a bit of sunshine back in our lives. While painting pictures in psychedelic pop brush strokes is hardly new – in fact, it is very nearly fashionable these days – few pull it off as convincingly as Monogroove do with their easy going style easily capturing the woozy drifting sounds of those past times and, through that sweet smelling smoke, all that you can see is blue sky and all that you can hear is upbeat pop songs happily spinning at 45rpm. And there’s even a respectful cover of “Magical Mystery Tour”... CONTINUE TO READ FULL REVIEW ON THE LIN”
Blues Bunny - Blues Bunny Magazine

“THERE'S SOMETHING HERE: California power trio MONOGROOVE has returned triumphantly with their latest album, There's Something Here. Blitz Magazine Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell recently spoke at length with band co-founder Rin Lennon about the band's rich history, as well as her earlier work with the much missed ON THE AIR. Pictured above: Bassist Woody Cross, Lennon and drummer Ken Cratty. (Click on the Monogroove / Rin Lennon Interview link under the Previous Posts heading at right for the full story”
Michael McDowell - Blitz Magazine

““I gotta say, this is the best-sounding Monogroove album I ever heard, and Rin Lennon's voice is the best its sounded since I have been following her career-- hats off! and the Beatles have never been more in evidence as an influence! “ -Probyn Gregory”
Probyn Gregory - Independent review of THERE'S SOMETHING HERE

“Monogroove's new album There's Something Here Jay Byham says " If you're a fan of Beatle-esque power pop, you'll really dig it... Great melodies, cool chords, powerhouse lead vocals from Rin, memorizing harmonies, sweet horn arrangements... Check it out!! Also, LIKE their FB page if you would.”
Jay Byham - Independent review of THERE'S SOMETHING HERE

“I finally had a chance to sit down and listen to the new Monogroove record in full. Congrats on a great release. I love the musicianship and especially Rin's strong vocal performances. Extra kudos for such an amazing cover of Magical Mystery Tour with the clever ELP outro. I wish you well with it. - James”
James Clark - Independant review of THERE'S SOMETHING HERE

“Beautiful Beatles like harmony rises from this psych-pop band from California along with harder garage bangers. The musicianship is a deal heavier and more psychedelic than anything the Beatles released, and that's a good thing for this record, as it grooves throughout. Favorite track: The Rain”
The Exploding Ogre - Bandcamp review The Exploding Ogre

“It’s been awhile since we heard from Monogroove. It was back in 2014 when the world was a very different place that they released Echoes in The Glass. The band is back with There's Something Here. This album has some strong connections to music from the '60s and ’70s. The band unapologetically embraces so many aesthetics from those decades from different bands. They really don’t go out of their way to make the songs feel like an updated 2.0 version and instead approach from a more purist type of lens. I think you should be able to pick up on this on the first two songs “Back Seat” and “Can I Take A Chance.” In fact you can break these songs up in terms of year and band. On “Back Seat” we hear more of the Americana type of classic mixed with vocal harmonies reminiscent of The Mamas and The Papas. There is even some classic ’70s inspired cowbell.”
Jamie Funk - Divide abd Conquer

“Back Seat" sounds like late '60s San Francisco psychedelic blues scene, with a little Janis joplin thrown in. I was hearing too much going on throughout the song in the background behind the vocals. Their best song is "The Looking Glass," followed by "God Please", and 3rd "The Rain." Rin Lennon has a very good voice for this type of material. Catchy tunes. Enjoyed hearing them. Ray Paul”
Ray Paul - Ray Paul, Singer/songwriter for the Ray Paul band

"I've been a fan of Monogroove for years, at least as far back as their album 5 Minute Cat Wash, and this new album is the best yet. The band is super tight and there's not a single filler track in the whole collection. Fans of shiny 60's style pop will love this record"
Leslie Anne Moore - Independant review of THERE'S SOMETHING HERE

“Just listened to the new MONOGROOVE cd,”There’s something here” I absolutely love it,I would recommend you check it out, it’s a great band with a great sound thirteen songs of pure enjoyment !!!!”
Michael Jones - Independent review of THERE'S SOMETHING HERE

"WOW! Great job! There is such a purity to their sound I can't get over it! Their genre is what I was raised on. Seriously, this is a great album"—Jason Ryan-Bass Guitarist for Disturbing the Peace
Jason Ryan - Independant review of THERE'S SOMETHING HERE

“Very well arranged and good recordings. Several favorites. Think it should do well”
Dewey Oates - Dewey Oates-Musician

“As if to further ensure that you will be also be getting value for your money, there are no less than seventeen slices in enough satisfaction for those of you with a yearning for the California sun. Even if you believe that summer does, in fact, not mean fun, then there is still something here for you and “When I Wake Up” testifies as if Ray Charles had personally decided to teach Monogroove the blues. Perhaps the most notable thing, however, about this album is how easy it is on the ears. Rin Lennon keeps her guitar set on fluidity and those ever present vocal harmonies give your fingers more than enough reason to get snapping. In fact, I’d almost call “Echoes in the Glass” old fashioned for those very reasons. Old fashioned, however, can hardly be read full review on link below www.cdbaby.com/cd/monogroove5”
Blues Bunny - Blues Bunny

“Monogroove is a four-piece band from Los Angeles, CA that on their recent release Echoes In The Glass revive the late ‘60s to early ‘70’s folk pop sound mixed in with a decent amount of rock. It's refreshing to hear a contemporary band tipping their hats to this style of 60’s and 70’s music when in recent years it feels like most bands can’t help but play music that is based on ‘60s and ‘70s classic and garage rock bands. Monogroove has more in common with The Mamas & The Papas, The Monkees and Fleetwood Mac than they do with anything else. The music by all means is built upon the female lead vocals, which carries the songs. That being said, the music provides a rich variety of instrumentation, which in addition to drums, bass and guitars occasionally throws in other elements like horns and a harmonica.”
Jamie Funk - THE EQUAL GROUND

“Echoes in the Glass is a very solid album of great music. From the catchy sax rift that kicks the album off with the first track, When You Went Away, with a sound much like Mo-town, to the last track, the band does a good job of providing the listener with 17 tracks that you will want to listen to. They even tossed in an awesome cover of Tomorrow Never Knows, a tune that, in my opinion, is a tough one for any band to cover. The band is excellent vocally with some beautiful harmonization on almost every track. It is definitely the vocals that I feel is the band’s strong suit. However, I want to make it clear that the music is also great. Another thing the band does well is to keep a certain style of their own while still giving the listener a good dose of eclectic music. There are funky songs, mellow songs, sad ballads and just down right happy tunes on this collection.”
Indie Nation FM - Indienation.FM