Prints

In a world where the media cartel keeps us fully entertained and permanently half-informed, where our underground trends, attitudes, and ideas are quickly stolen and before we can blink twice, sold back to us in a neat little box of mainstream popular culture, Prints struggles to make independent music for independent people. Although their musical influences largely stem from new, indie rock bands that struggle primarily with expanding the musical metaphysics of pop (i.e. Spoon, Wolf Parade, Broken Social Scene, the Arcade Fire, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, etc.), their lyrical repertoire is much more reminiscent of late 1960’s political rock (Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, etc.). Although indie rock bands have largely shied away from mixing politics in their music because of the increasing liberalism associated with mainstream pop, it is getting nearly impossible for any music-maker to write without acknowledging the war, devastation, inequality, and empty consumerism the capitalist system has brought to the world.

It is with this in mind that Adam Sanchez of Prints shapes his socialist poetry. Gavin Duffy (Guitar), Andrew Stern (Bass), Molly Oakes (Synth/Keyboard), and David Hires (Drums) are the youthful musical veterans who accompany Sanchez in his grand ambition to resurrect the counter-cultural revolution. They bring the technical savvy and the melodic ingenuity that completes Prints’ exceptional sound.

Prints started off as Velcro in 2004, where they struggled like most indie rock bands struggle to find their own originality in the confusion of mores, clichés, and sub-cultural aesthetics. In 2006, they begin with a new name and a new mission: to remind us all of rock n’ roll’s counter-cultural roots and the systemic repression that can produce creative innovation. Although increasing media concentration and cultural subjugation has made extremely rare the marvelous exception that has always popped up, unexpectedly, to startle and revivify the culture, Prints brings a beaming ray of hope to those who still believe in a better world.