"Paradise Is Free": The New Soundtrack for Pop Rock Devotees by Rome 56
A Harmonic Convergence of Power Pop and Roots Rock Unveiled by Arthur Lamonica's band on their New Album
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New York, NY – Rome 56, led by the accomplished Arthur Lamonica, former heart and soul of the iconic NYC band The Shirts, unveils a musical gem with their latest album "Paradise Is Free". This record is a testament to Lamonica's enduring prowess in crafting songs that resonate with the essence of power pop, new wave, and roots rock. Recorded across New York and Amsterdam, alongside his wife and creative ally Kathleen Lamonica, "Paradise Is Free" is a paean to the enduring art of songwriting.
With a career that stretches across a few decades, Lamonica has not lost his touch. The album features twelve tracks that showcase the band's ability to blend Americana with the spirit of British '60s pop. Tracks like the mysteriously compelling "The Man Behind the Man With a Gun", the exuberant "Hustle of the Crowd", and the rollicking Stonesy vibe of "Invisible Man" offer listeners a chance to take a journey that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. This record is more than an album; it's an experience that harkens back to the days when pop songs were instant communicators, as powerful and captivating as a glance from across the dance floor.
Arthur Lamonica's notable past with The Shirts – the group that made a mark with the hit "Tell Me Your Plans" and toured Europe with Peter Gabriel at his request – is not forgotten. Rome 56, with its rich blend of musicians from the US and Europe, forges ahead in this legacy of pop sophistication. Admirers of musical greats like Tom Petty, Teenage Fanclub, War On Drugs, and Blur will deem "Paradise Is Free" an essential addition to their library, with each song bearing the hallmark of becoming that new favorite tune that rouses you at dawn.
In line with Lamonica’s history with The Shirts and his subsequent endeavors, "Paradise Is Free" serves as a vivid reminder that a truly great pop song is timeless and boundless. Scheduled for release on April 5th, both on CD and across all major streaming platforms, this album invites you to indulge in the rhythm and the roots of Rome 56’s crowning achievement. Discover for yourself why, years on, Arthur Lamonica and his ensemble remain undisputed champions of the pop-rock narrative.
"...rarely do I hear something that makes me think, “I wish I wrote that.” Paradise Is Free is that rare album." - Daily Vault