Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
“Primitive Reason’s music seems like an unbroken journey to the most inimitable sound choices… Mixing wild rhythms of several styles, their experientialism shows off as a main musical choice… a deliverance of uncomparable tones and indomitable compositions, that confirms the band as a unique style act.” - M. Júlio Castro ( Artist Direct/All Music Guide, U.S.A. )
“Primitive Reason's stylistic mix of ska, reggae, funk, and hip-hop accented with a hint of hard edge creates an eclectic, enjoyable sound that will take anyone back to their roots. These catchy songs have a bouncy hip-hop beat that makes these Portuguese rhythm-makers a Napster favorite and will have you humming as you walk about.” - - NAPSTER
“Portugal’s main export, Primitive Reason, draws from many internal and external voices... nurturing messages and generous street poetry flow to the sounds of hip-hop, dub, ska, jazz, and metal... the mastery of each style and the tapestry woven with them make for one amazing recording...” - - Ewan Wadharmi ( Hybrid Magazine, U.S.A. )
“Much of their music is original, something you would be able to distinguish as purely their own, with influences ranging from East-Indian to modern day hard rock. If you are into diversity-rich music, I recommend Primitive Reason…” - - Brooke Haley ( Radio Kaos, U.S.A. )
“They’re music is fresh, well-rounded and varied...Certainly when you speak of mixing many styles, most bands fail in their ambitious attempts, but not in this case…the final result is impressively cohesive…” - DAVID BARRANTES ANDRADA ( RockCircus Magazine, Spain )
“This band has a distinctive, personal sound that liberates them from comparisons…with their genial mix of styles, they’ve achieved an addictive record that makes you move…” - Zufo ( AlfaOmega Webzine, Spain )
“The songs are special, varied and very original. No two songs sound the same, no formulas or themes are repeated, and no cliché choruses; yet, their songs are so air-friendly, addictive and attractive to the common listener…without a doubt a great discovery…” - Jairo Ramos ( Rockzone Magazine, Spain )
“A memorable night in the sold out hall… The band was extremely cohesive, versatile, and energetic...Those who unfortunately didn’t get to witness the renovated Primitive Reason are left waiting for details on their upcoming tour dates…” - Alexandre Martins ( Radio Marginal, Portugal )
“It didn’t take long for the crowd to get heated up... Primitive Reason’s cult followers shouted out the lyrics with enthusiasm… they captivated the crowd with an impressive performance that showed an unmistakable sense of professionalism…” - RitaGuerreiro ( Blitz Magazine, Portugal )
“The contagious effect of Primitive Reason’s music drove the sold-out crowd into a frenzy… A confident performance marked by the impressive versatility of the band… After two encores the crowd was still waiting for more…” - Luis Batista ( RaioX, Magazine, Portugal )
Discography
“Alternative Prison” - Released: May 1996
Label: UNIÃO LISBOA
“Tips & Shortcuts” - Released: December 1998
Label: Farol Música
"Some of Us” - Released: September 2000
Label: JAH NOTION
“Primitive 4.0 EP” - Released: March 2002
Label: Kaminari Records
“The Firescroll” - Released: May 2003
Label: Kaminari Records
“Pictures in the Wall” - Released: April 2005
Label: Kaminari Records
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Primitive Reason was formed in 1993, in the coastal town of Cascais, Portugal. The members, all being of diverse nationalities including American, Spanish, and Portuguese backgrounds, quickly developed a melting pot of styles and influences that characterized their innovative sound. It wasn’t long before the band caught the attention of both fans and media alike. They consistently drew large crowds to their concerts, and consequently landed a recording deal with a national record label.
After releasing two critically acclaimed albums in Portugal (‘Alternative Prison’- 1996 and ‘Tips and Shortcuts’- 1998), for which they earned "Best Upcoming National Band," "Best National Band," "National Song of The Year" and "Best National Album" nominations in successive "Blitz Award" presentations, as well as, a spot on the ‘Tejo Beat’ compilation CD of promising new talents by producer Mario Caldato Jr., the band was looking to further its musical experience beyond borders, and so relocated to the vibrant melting pot that is New York City.
Primitive Reason quickly became a fixture on the NYC circuit, playing such renowned venues as CBGB, The Mercury Lounge, The Knitting Factory and The Wetlands, to name just a few. Their third album, ‘Some of Us’, was recorded in NY and featured some friends they had made on the scene including members of the Scofflaws, the Toasters and the New York Ska Jazz Ensemble. To kick off the release of ‘Some of Us’ in the fall of 2000, Primitive Reason set out on their first U.S. national tour, which included several stops throughout most major cities, with acts such as Fishbone, The Urge, The Misfits, Murphy's Law and The Pilfers.
The band returned to Portugal in 2001 for two sold out headlining concerts in Lisbon and Porto. A national tour ensued with the band spending most of the summer playing the festival circuit alongside such diverse international acts as Manu Chao, Soulfly, Lamb, Rammstein, Bush, UB40, Slipknot and Nickelback.
In early 2002 the band took a break from touring. They wanted to explore their individual and collective interests in other musical roots and cultures, and so each member traveled to a different part of the globe: to Asia, South America, North America, and Europe. These experiences would deeply inspire the music that can be heard on their following works.
‘The Firescroll’ (2003), the band’s 4th release, generated rave reviews with the public and media alike. Their national tour included an appearance in front of 30,000 fans at the Rock in Lisbon stadium festival alongside Marilyn Manson, Audioslave, Deftones, and Disturbed. Video-clips for the singles Kindian and Had I the Courage were voted #1 ahead of top international acts on several TV programs, and Primitive Reason was nominated for Best Band at the 2003 MTV European Music Awards.
‘Pictures in the Wall’ (2005), Primitive Reason's 5th release and most adventurous work to date, is the reflection of the diversity that characterizes and always has been a trademark of this unique band. The versatility found in the vocals, the diverse languages and musical styles utilized, and the many different instruments played, confirm the band’s maturity and confidence. Since it's release, the band has spent the past couple of years touring extensively, with highlights including their first concerts in the UK and Spain, as well as, festival appearances alongside Tool, System of a Down, Placebo, Prodigy, Deftones, and Incubus.
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