Frankie Muriel – I’m Still Standing
I’m Still Standing by Frankie Muriel isn’t just a solo debut, it’s a thunderous reminder that rock and roll doesn’t age, it evolves. Drawing from the swagger of classic 80s hard rock and fusing it with the soul-soaked roots of vintage rock and roll, this 9-track LP delivers a sonic punch that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly current. It’s a bold step into the spotlight for an artist who’s spent decades moving crowds, and now, finally, has something deeply personal to say. Opening with the high-octane title track “I’m Still Standing,” Muriel wastes no time kicking the doors wide open. The song screams classic Aerosmith with its vintage overdriven guitar licks ripping through the soundscape, backed by a tight, punchy rhythm section and that unmistakable rock god vocal swagger. The mix is rich and textured, with a vivid dynamic range that lets every snare crack and vocal rasp shine through. The carefully crafted stereo field puts the listener right in the middle of the action—each riff, harmony, and backing vocal placed with intention. Tracks like “CRAZY,” “SWEET SURRENDER,” and “TONIGHT” follow in quick succession, each a driving, sweat-soaked anthem that showcases Muriel’s mastery of the genre. Whether it’s the fiery guitar solos or the arena-ready gang vocals, these songs feel built for both backroom clubs and big screens—think of the reckless charm of Boondock Saints or the gritty rush of Into the Badlands. “SEEN IT ALL BEFORE” provides a breather without letting go of the emotional weight. A heartfelt ballad wrapped in gospel-tinged organ swells and layered harmonies, it’s a moment of reflection amid the storm. The rotary-infused church organ hums like a ghost in the background, lending a soulful depth that anchors the track’s universal message of loss and resilience. The sing-along chorus is a standout—honest, vulnerable, and completely unpretentious. Muriel closes the record with “HOME,” a vaguely psychedelic slow-burner reminiscent of Stone Temple Pilots at their most introspective. The guitar tones are warm and woozy, the percussion almost tribal, and the vocals—aching but defiant—float through reverb-drenched layers. It’s a fitting conclusion to a 36-minute journey that feels like a full-circle return to self. In the current indie music scene saturated with digital perfection, I’m Still Standing is refreshingly analog in spirit and execution. It’s not polished for the sake of polish—every crack in the voice, every squeal of feedback is there because it means something. Frankie Muriel isn’t a new face—he’s a veteran of the scene. From the MTV spotlight as the charismatic frontman of KINGOFTHEHILL to three decades of leading the dance-rock powerhouse Dr. Zhivegas, Muriel has lived through glam, funk, soul, and now, a full-throttle return to rock. I’m Still Standing isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about reminding us why it spins in the first place. And with this album, Frankie Muriel doesn’t just stand—he soars.
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