Primm

Still in its relative infancy, local modern-rock band Primm has already developed a unique musical sense all its own. Their sound could be aptly described as the distillation of the last 50 years of America's cross-cultural musical heritage. Primm successfully blends 'classic elements' of Motown, '60s rock, and '70s funk with the rock-steady groove of modern hip-hop and R&B.

"I know this sounds clichéd, but we really are one of those bands that play for ourselves," said Ray Prim, Primm frontman and guitarist. "Don't get me wrong, we have a lot of respect for our audience. We think it's great that they like what we're doing. That's why we're always trying to play as many free shows as we can. It gives a little back to them."

It seems that for Primm's fans, a little respect goes a long way, the band has recently been playing to standing-room-only crowds at Momo's and their "home" venue, the Lucky Lounge. Along with the success of their live shows, Primm has also seen a lot of recent attention directed to Figure It Out, their debut album released this month. Recorded, produced and released entirely on their own, Primm's new seven -track CD accurately captures the bouncy, positive vibe of their live shows with somewhat less eye-stinging smoke. Album standout and crowd-pleaser "Here by My Side" also showcases brother Brent Prim's lyrically introspective and, most notably, "rapped" verse section in a seamless fit over the track's thematic and musical statement.

Overall, their captivating live performances and distinctive flair for driving rhythms and song-craft rank newcomers Primm among the best Austin has to offer. - Max Harger (Daily Texan Staff)

They’re called Primm, as in how older club owners used to misspell the name of the band’s founder and lead singer/song writer. “I just gave up one day and named the band that way,” says Ray Prim (with one ‘M’).

But spelled with one or two “M’s” is a well known featured artist at San Angelo’s top-hot-spot, the Steel Penny Pub, having played there several times in the past.

Their music is a provocative blend of rock, R&B and hip-hop, seemingly having evolved from ‘old school’ roots. An example of this odd, but alluring musical concoction is evident in their modern rendition of the Beatle’s classic, “Eleanor Rigby.”

In their single, “Up and Down” from their first CD, the vocals are nothing less than a reincarnation of the 60’s/70’s R&B sensation, Al Green. So much so, it’s almost scary.

There is also the obvious influence on the music from some of their own idols like Lenny Kravitz, King’s X and Otis Redding, (remember, “Sitting on the Dock in the Bay?”). Then, out of the middle of nowhere comes the folksy, acoustic guitar melody, “Waiting on Angle,” a Ben Harper tune.

In general, their music is a likeness of Ray himself; a reflective person of contrast with multiple sides to his persona. Born in the small up-state New York town of Pougnkeepsie, (they probably couldn’t spell that either), a couple years after the Beatles broke up; he’s now a devoted fan of the Fab-four. He’s a high energy personality who ‘mellows-out’ by listening to Stevie Wonder tapes, drinks coffee with a beer chaser, all-the-while talking about the allure of doing a straight six-hour live set someday.

A long-time Austin transplant, Ray is now a chronic UT fan; so much so that last time he played the Steel Penny, he couldn’t break away from the bar where his beloved Longhorns were playing on the big screen. The band started late that night although Ray had a big smile on his face, having witnessed another UT victory.

This Saturday, November 3rd, Primm will be turning on their amps at around tenish, although you might want to check out the TV guide before you rush out the door. - Mark Kneubuhl ( San angelo live)