17/06/2009
“Learned from the Best” - The Prime Ministers
The Prime Ministers are old friends of mine (why yes, I am feeling polysemousness today) and I’m always excited when they release a new album. But I’m not sure I expected Compromiser (which you can download for free right here) to be their best album to date.
Todd Wicks has always delivered earnest power pop laced with ironic lyrics and what might be understatedly described as truck-loads of suburban self-depreciation. Ned Coho, who has far more nicknames than strings has laid the foundation on the bass at Todd’s side since they were only Choice Ministers with glad expressions giving you the wrong impression. They rocked as a duo accompanied by more drummers than Spinal Tap for a number of years and a couple of albums.
Enter Brandon Malik. One might note that with Compromiser the Prime Ministers have now made more recordings with Brandon than they did without him and you could also say that this album is the realization of his impact and influence on the band. A great guitar player, he delivers concise fills and unfussy solos. With Compromiser we also see him stepping to the front more often, taking a lead vocal on 3.5 songs in addition to his usual harmony.
Ron Vensko is a reliable pressence behind the kit (no small consideration for a band that’s wasn’t able to hold on to a drummer for two albums in a row in the past). More than that he gives the band the drive this style of rock needs to thrive and swings enough to avoid a common pitfall of feeling stiff or too route.
Tim Pak who recorded the album at Oak Park’s Woodshed Studio has recorded the band before. Perhaps the comfort level between him and the band has led to vocals that brim with confidence and creative arrangements with hints of keys and the occasional psychedelic flourish (“Safe & Sound On Microchips” has backwards intro and killer outro that has me hitting repeat every time I hear it.)
The net effect is a strong set of songs, that for me also add up to their most cohesive album to date and a persuasive statement for something other than the next big thing.
The Prime Minsters are releasing Compromiser on Compact Disc with a show this Saturday June 20, at the Pike Room in Pontiac. Joining them are Speedy Greasy and Darling Imperial.
Audio posted at 13:53
blog comments powered by Disqus