The Writeful Heirs - Heir Apparent

​The Writeful Heirs

Heir Apparent
self-released; 2026

​By Dino DiMuro​
​

Upon first listen, The Writeful Heirs sound like a husband and wife project, so perfectly do the two lead voices interact and blend. However, they are just a really good band, not a family! The group's second album is titled Heir Apparent, and it's a remarkably bright and upbeat folk-rock collection with more than a little country at the edges. They call it "an eclectic journey through alternative rock/folk, Americana and heartland rock, blending psychedelic sounds and introspective lyrics into a rich, adult-alternative tapestry."

The main players are John Montalto (lead vocals/acoustic guitar), Sunny Barretto (lead and background vocals), Mark Shulman (guitars) and Lincoln Schleifer (bass/producer). They are joined by an impressive stable of studio musicians: Josh Dion of Paris Monster (drums), Danny Louis of Gov't Mule (keys), Joe Bonadio of Sting (percussion), three-time Grammy winner Larry Campbell (acoustic/electric/pedal steel guitars) and Rob Schwimmer (synths, claviola).

The band explains that their name refers to being "heirs" of classic rock greats such as Pink Floyd, David Bowie and Tom Petty, who inspired them: "Our music can be described as album-oriented rock within the alternative Americana genre. We have an eclectic array of songs on each of our projects which range from adult alt rock to jazz-inspired tracks, many with a psychedelic and/or retro feel." The tracks were recorded at Lincoln's Log Cabin (Bronx, NY) and mastered by Alex McCollough at True East Mastering, Nashville, Tennessee.

"Your Lovely Face" starts us off in herky-jerky fashion with a celebration of a special love: "You take me straight to heaven / Happy for today / Happy cuz I just saw your lovely face." As the emotions deepen, the beat actually slows down for emphasis, then kicks back into the lively beat for the conclusion. The song has an interesting wah-wah guitar effect and Indian drones throughout, and the effortless interplay between the male and female vocals is partly why I thought they were married (and maybe the lyrics, too!).

"In My World" has bossa nova percussion at its core, with lively flute by Aaron Heick following along for emphasis. The lyrics celebrate a sort of urban utopia, perhaps even a commune: "In my world / There’s no worries cuz we know nobody’s not nice... there’s no sorrow cuz we all see that we’ve got rights / We always turn the music on." The quiet, sincere "Not Your Little Girl" is anchored by the melancholy Fender Rhodes of Danny Louis and Sunny Barretto's close-miked vocals about one's daughter growing up and leaving home (at least that was my take, and I can relate!).

"Shivertown" is the first big Petty-like rocker with shimmering acoustics, Leon Russell-like organ and clean but authoritative electric guitars. "Ginger" is a regretful love song in a similar vein to the Beatles track "And I Love Her," breaking out for a powerful pop chorus reminiscent of Steely Dan. I love these clever lyrics: "Ginger, Ginger, who's your guru? / As above and so below / And black is white." Great background lead guitar by Mark Shulman! "Muscle Man" is a sexy vocal showcase for Sunny Barretto where she belts a smoky blues like Maria Muldaur or Bonnie Raitt.

"Bad Trip Turnaround" has a title that suggests Yes ("Long Distance Runaround") and features Josh Dion on lead vocals for a '70s-style rocker, a sort of Allmans-Bad Company hybrid. "Why?" is a sharp, amiable rocker again based on guitars, keys and those killer lead and harmony vocals. The last couple songs lean more toward country, with the concluding benediction "Crooked Lullabye" providing a lovely acoustic and synth sendoff. The vocals are appropriately close-up, as if the singers are leaning over your crib.

​My main takeaway from this album is how crisp, clean and lively it sounds! Great songs, playing and recording. You'll love it!

thewritefulheirs.bandcamp.com/album/the-writeful-heirs

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