A throwback to the horn-tinged rock of the '60s and '70s, Virginia's Major and the Monbacks (aka Super Doppler) is a melodic and rootsy outfit with a sound heavily informed by the post-Beatles approach of the Band, ELO, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Originally formed in Norfolk around 2008 while the members were still in high school, the group features singer/guitarist Neal Friedman, his brother Cole Friedman on bass, singer/keyboardist Michael Adkins, his brother Bryan Adkins on drums, singer/guitarist Harry Slater, and percussionist Tyler West. Along with the core members, they also utilize an R&B-style brass section. After high school, the band began touring the Eastern United States, released an EP, and built a grassroots base of loyal fans, who helped crowdfund the group's 2015 self-titled debut (recorded in Nashville). The album was well received, garnering online and alt-press attention, which helped raise the band's profile. In June of 2017, Major and the Monbacks were on track to release their sophomore album, the Matthew E. White-produced Moonlight Anthems, when they announced their official name change to Super Doppler. It was a decision made after it came to the group's attention that "Monback," a Southern portmanteau of "c'mon back," was also regarded by some as a racial slur. Along with the name change, the bandmembers also revealed that they had amicably parted ways with their label, Yep Roc, and would release Moonlight Anthems independently. ~ Matt Collar