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The idea of genres can be a very problematic subject. While elements of a band's music may emulate one genre or the next, there are quite a few bands that refuse to subscribe to a single trend or group. Prima's [i]Details[/i] album is one such example of a work that borrows heavily from multiple genres to make a sound that, (though maybe not extremely fresh and exciting), is one all their own.
[i]Details[/i] has sat with me for quite awhile. While I was originally fairly unsuccessful in my attempts to get into it (that is, I'd listen to it, like it, but nothing would immediately draw me back), eventually I found the details in [i]Details[/i] (ta da!) that wound up giving this release some lasting value.
I think that one of my inhibitions towards this album rode on it's style. It's straddling a few different styles throughout the album, and normally rides the line between catchy and dense, though it tip-toes across it either way from time to time. Throughout the albums 8 tracks, you can see that they draw influences from a wide variety of sources obviously including pop-rock, indie-rock and more progressive acts (though I can't put my finger on the exact bands they may have drawn it from, there are just elements of them all in there). The vocals, as well as the instrumentation do well to set it aside from the hordes of other bands throwing out this style, and though the lead vocalist's voice may falter in places (particularly sustained notes) he more than holds his own. The musicians stray from the norm pretty blatantly, and the more atmospheric and intricate guitar work more appropriately displays their prog-leanings while the catchy arrangements and vocal antics mirror their pop-rock side much more.
[i]Details[/i] has it's share of standout tracks, among the six songs (two interludes), the ones that stand out most to me are "54/40 Or Fight" and "The Wheat and the Tares." "54/40 Or Fight" works well as one of the more downbeat songs, and the choral arrangement at the end really ties it all together, remaining a powerful track despite the ungainly reference to Jesus in the closing lines ("Your lips they raise the dead like Jesus"). Normally they're quite strong lyrically, especially in "The Wheat and the Tares" which seems to be about his wrestles with faith, opening with the lines: "I'd sell my soul for a taste of cheap perfume and wine/ but keep my conscience where my heart resides/ In an empty room, dormant next to you." This track is also one of the strongest musically, with a powerful opening vocal melody and escalation nearing the end of the track.
This type of artsy pop-rock (which I'll just term "progressive-indie-pop-rock" to make everyone happy) can be quite a good listen once it's given the chance. While it took me awhile to get into it, once I sat on the album for awhile and it had it's proper chance to sink in, I found that Prima's Details a pretty solid listen.
[fs=Recommended If You Like]old Taking Back Sunday mixed with Minus the Bear; Envy On the Coast's Envy On the Coast EP; The Killers' Sam's Town meets [i]Deja Entendu... sort of[/fs] - Absolute Punk
Discography
04/2008 - Details E.P
If You Don't Like The Weather In NY has received airplay on New York Capital Region stations such as WEQX. Various tracks off the record have been feature on college radio stations in New York.
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Bio
Since their conception in 2006, Prima has worked to establish a unique yet tangible sound that shows signs of maturity beyond their years. Without being fake or insincere, the group's songs touch on a large spectrum of genres and universal ideas. Through insightful, and sometimes introspective songwriting, the songs have become relevant to a wide audience within their home town of Albany, New York and across the east coast.
With the release of their most recent EP, "Details," The band displays an enormous amount of potential. From catchy hooks to dark stories of survival, the band has created a record that demands to be heard in the headphones of indie, pop, and rock fans alike.
Singer-songwriter, Collin Reynolds, shows musical talent as a well rounded pianist and guitarist. The poetic nature of his lyrics is evident in tracks such as "The Wheat and The Tares," a song of moral corruption and spiritual ambiguity. Many of the lyrics off the record present an underlying struggle between faith and skepticism. Incidentally, Reynolds' writing is not limited to these themes.
The song "Set Watch Mr. Chase," is a haunting portrayal of the true story that is the whale ship Essex. Based off of the Novel Into The Heart of The Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick, the song takes us on a tragic journey from the crew's perspective as they fight for their lives in the middle of the Pacific.
These musical landscapes come alive through smart arrangements, danceable rhythms, and emotional melodies as each member brings something special to the table. As well as solid songwriting, the band's work ethic cannot go unnoticed.
Funding the project solely themselves, the band has managed to expand playing shows all along the east coast. They have also recorded and mastered an EP of professional standards that has created a strong fan-base and internet following. This can be attributed to promotion and persistence, although the band still insists that a good song is ultimately the most important element.
Prima has shared the stage with bands such as mewithoutYou, Person L, Anathallo, Roonie, Action Action, Audrye Sessions, The Snake The Cross The Crown, Chiodos, Hit The Lights and many more. The live show can best be described as explosive yet audibly pleasant. Backing up what they laid down in the studio, Prima still manages to create a real, raw experience. The band continues to show promise as they plan to hit the road to play as many shows as possible.
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