(headline image: The Aristocrats in 2023 – Photo by Arthur Rosato)
Rock-fusion trio, The Aristocrats, has unveiled a new music video titled “Aristoclub,” heralding their forthcoming album, Duck, set for release on February 16th.
With “Aristoclub,” the band delivers an homage to 1990s dance music, drawing inspiration from acts like C & C Music Factory and Technotronic, infused with their signature guitar-driven instrumental rock/fusion style. Guitarist Guthrie Govan’s intricate sequencing and drummer Marco Minnemann’s reinterpretation of classic dance beats add a unique flair to the track.
Set within the narrative of their concept album, Duck, “Aristoclub” serves as one of the protagonist’s first encounters upon his arrival in the bustling city, marking a pivotal moment in the album’s storyline.
The album’s inspiration stems from a whimsical concept of a duck fleeing from an Antarctic island to New York City, weaving tales of misadventure and danger. The Aristocrats shared, “Aristoclub is our tongue-in-cheek pastiche of an ultra-mainstream 1990s dance song. Bryan wrote it to be loosely inspired by C & C Music Factory, Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch, and Technotronic – unlikely source material for Aristocrats-style guitar-driven instrumental rock/fusion, to be sure! But Guthrie did some amazing guitar sequencing on this, and Marco put his own spin on some classic dance beats. It goes to show we can throw just about anything in the blender and have it come out the other side as something fun and wild.”
Duck marks The Aristocrats’ return after five years, promising a departure from their previous work. Mixed by Forrester Savell and featuring original character artwork by Lance Myers, the album promises a wild ride unlike anything in their discography.
Of the inspiration for Duck, The Aristocrats said, “It is the story of a web-footed Antarctic Island native fleeing a penguin policeman all the way to New York City…where considerable misadventure and danger await.” Of its genesis, they elaborated, “We’ve always been writing with a storytelling aspect in mind, and our live shows always include our stories behind the songs…But the stories had mainly been about us. Then Marco came into the studio with a song about a duck, and we all looked at each other and said, ‘What if all of stories for the songs on this album…happened to a duck? What’s that story about?’ And suddenly we had a concept album on our hands.”
Available in standard and deluxe editions, as well as vinyl, Duck will offer fans a comprehensive experience, with the deluxe edition including bonus footage and exclusive merchandise.
Coinciding with the album release, The Aristocrats will embark on the “Duckling” tour along the West Coast, with tickets selling fast.
The Aristocrats includes guitarist Guthrie Govan, bassist Bryan Beller, and drummer Marco Minnemann.
The Aristocrats United States West Coast tour dates:
February 16 – Seattle, WA – The Triple Door – SOLD OUT
February 17 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios – SOLD OUT
February 19 – Redding, CA – The Dip
February 22 – Mill Valley, CA – Sweetwater Music Hall – SOLD OUT
February 24 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo – SOLD OUT
Do you specialists know that many fans can’t or don’t use Utube ? There are many other video formats and sites but too many so-called artists haven’t a F clue ! Too bad., less for the bands indicated !!