Frankie V and the Lonely Club
A few months back, I found myself in a conversation lamenting the scarcity of proper bands I hear coming from the radio — where it feels like producers have replaced live musicians at every turn. That’s why stumbling upon Big Top from Frankie V and the Lonely Club felt like a much-needed weight that could balance the scales.
While the band dabbles in various genres, there’s no mistaking their core identity as a rock outfit. The album wears its influences proudly, with many tracks feeling like an homage to the golden eras of the '60s and '70s. Yet, rather than coming off as derivative, it feels reverent—these nods to the past are balanced with an undeniable vitality.
What really makes Big Top stand out, though, is the strength of the songwriting. This isn't an album hiding behind layers of flashy production—it’s driven by well-crafted songs, built on sturdy foundations of tight arrangements, lead melodies that linger, and hooks that beg to be sung back. Take “See You Again,” with its elegant classical guitar work, or “The Light,” a soulful, gospel-tinged number that radiates a raw, unfiltered humanity.
There’s so much more to unpack, but I’ll leave some of the discoveries for you. If you’re yearning for music made by musicians in a studio rather than someone behind a laptop, Big Top is an album that deserves your attention. It’s a refreshing reminder of what a live band can do.