Uncle Frank - Diablo (album) 

 

Released on the Last Man Media label, Diablo features a heavier sound compared to previous Uncle Frank albums, channelling influences from the likes of Rival Sons, ZZ Top, Clutch and Lenny Kravitz.although the band’s trademark laidback soul vibe punctuates the 11-track album

Fronting Uncle Frank on lead vocals, Frank Benbini is joined by Naim Cortazzi on guitar, Darryl Jnr Benbini on drums and Luke Kool on bass.

Uncle Frank recorded Diablo at their own Make It Nice Studios in their hometown of Leicester, with Benbini and Cortazzi co-producing alongside Darryl Reid (Massappeals, YUQT).

The album was mixed by Grammy Award-winning Tim Latham (Tribe called Quest, De La Soul, Lou Reed, Britney Spears and Fun Lovin’ Criminals) before being mastered by Grammy Award-nominated Pete Maher (U2, Pixies, Rolling Stones, Depeche Mode, Lana Del Ray).

Meanwhile, the sleeve artwork for Diablo is a nod to Queen’s 1974 album Sheer Heart Attack, a tribute to a band that have always been an influence to Uncle Frank and with Queen fully credited for the concept on the album’s liner notes.

The first single from the album 'Mary Jane' is a superb comeback track that became the winning anthem to Leicester City Football clubs rise back into the premier league as it was featured on the BBC Radio Leicester football commentary and round up whenever the team won a game... which was often.

Uncle Frank’s penchant for laidback rock ‘n’ soul is perfectly represented on the album’s second single ‘So High’ which was heavily played by Craig Charles on BBC Radio 6 on its release, a dreamy ode to soulmates, which Benbini describes as “sounding like it might have fallen off the back of a late ‘70s Rolling Stones album.”
 

Equally radio-friendly hooks are to be found in the optimistic pop-rocker ‘Be There’ which was debuted with acclaim by Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2.

Uncle Frank’s music videos to complement the band’s output have since racked-up over 500,000 views on YouTube, while Frank himself recently completed a five year stint presenting on BBC Radio Leicester in order to focus on his musical commitments to Uncle Frank, the Fun Lovin’ Criminals and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell.