Prong – Power of the Damager - Diddy

So, I finally acquired this CD and just as I thought… its way cool.

What I really dig about Prong is his (Tommy Victor) unique/simple guitar voicings (particularly use of fourths and sus2), chord progressions, song structure, style/energy of the vocals – just his pure raw essence and of course most of all – that unmistakable industrial/metal/Victor groove. Power of the Damager showcases it all.

He has still got it and he can groove like no other. Prong is still Tommy Victor and in this latest incarnation of mates - ummm, they do the trick. I still admire his creativity in staying true to his core yet not afraid to explore some other sounds. For example, on “3rd Option” he used a sound that I haven’t heard Prong use before. It woke up an underground metal sound memory for me from the 80s. Which immediately brought me right back to the “Channel” in Boston, where I saw every possible metal show in the late 80s/early 90s. Anyways, this guitar harmony/lick sounds “Iced Earth-y” and a bit like “Sanctuary” (old Nevermore incarnation) which was cool to hear Prong-style. Also throughout the CD you can hear punk and speed metal – early Metallica style. And even his voice starts to sound on some songs a bit “kiddish”, sort of like Perry Ferrell. The only thing that bugged me just a weeeee bit is the guitar bending (not sure of the exact technical term) in almost EVERY song. A little bit that goes a long way, went too far.

Anyways, he’s not afraid to experiment. Not in a circuit bending, Faust or lets try a samba way, but in his own, grounded way that is subtle and works. This sort of freedom has gotten him to 7/8 and I don’t think that it is because he has been listening to the Venetian Snares either. I think that it came about from the evolution of his internal groove clock – which I hope will keep on that path. But for now, 2 out of 12 isn’t bad, but keep going!

The Banishment – Time….. creeping…closer to the end 4/4, 5/4
(me fav song on CD)

Bad Fall – 7/8, 4/4
(Can you believe this? I think this is the first time he delves into the eighth note signatures keep going, keep going, keep going, I wanna hear some 9s and 13s next time!)

Well of course these two nuggets are going to be on the playlist…. Coming soon.

Time… creeping,
Countess B
OddTimeObsessed.com

Prong at the Whisky - Sunset Strip 10/14/07 Concert Review

Prong at the Whisky A Go Go
(Club on Sunset Strip, West Hollywood 10/14/07)

You gotta pick up the Broken Peace…

because its… Unconditional

Prong performed on Sunday night at the Whisky Club
Prong is the Industrial Metal Hardcore band on its 5th studio album (I think)

The Venue
Okay let me just get this out of the way… The “famous” Whisky really needs to get over itself. I haven’t been there in a while and they have completed some renovations and boy are you gonna pay for that. Seven dollars for a cup of beer, thirteen for a mixed drink and one hundred dollar min just to sit in a booth… What? to see some crappy bands that had to pay $250-300 to play for 35 mins? Its venues like these that really know how to kill a good time, let alone good music. Some place not so pretentiously Nazi, such as a underground industrial warehouse would have been much more fitting. But I am only here for PRONG ! They did not have to pay to play… cash that is … they have already paid their price…. years of being under-rated.

The Band
Prong is Tommy Victor. With many different line ups, he is the common denominator. Tommy Victor is a pioneer who has successfully invented a genre. He is a style – I haven’t heard anyone quite like him, they can try but no cigar my dear. As far as guitar players go, he is in my top five. By using unconventional intervals (lots of 4ths), chord progressions and song structures along with grooving hardcore rhythms he proves to be one of the most creative guitarists around. You can tell his creativity has not been washed by conventional means (music school, wannabeism, too many lessons and shoulds). He is a true raw artist, this is his soul. He has no choice but to create and play this music.

The Show
They played for a good 90 mins that covered much of their new album along with the requisite classics – Broken Peace, Unconditional, Whose Fist is it Anyways?, Beg To Differ, Snap Your Fingers Snap Your Neck, Prove You Wrong… They sounded great throughout, tight and together. I would have never guessed that the bass player, Monte Pittman was Madonna’s teacher and guitarist, talk about switching gears. He kinda looks like he would be in Kyuss. He was good, although it erks me when guitarist double like that, don’t know why. The drummer, Aaron Rossi was just a little “bouncy” for me. His kit was just a little too small for some reason and I don’t think it would hurt him to hit the woodshed a bit. But he did the trick. About 5/8ths through the show Tommy asked how the drinks where here… are they expensive… is that why no one is buying us them? (yes, $11+ for a shot) So someone bought them Jager – Tommy said “Finally” and his voice immediately grew some more balls. I wanted to buy him the whole bottle – what would he sound like then?

Anyways, it was a great show and I am glad that I went despite the sucky venue. It was good to see them again. The last (and only other) I saw them in SF around 2003 – with a completely different line up and look (Hawaiian shirt, dirty blond hair) after his hiatus (ie. incubation, darkness) from music. I have been digging Prong since the early 90s and their songs have helped me pick up the Broken Peaces along the way. But what does all of this have to do with odd time? Well, some of their songs are in odd time – mostly 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4 type of groove. Damager has some – once I get it I will write a diddy. It is in alignment with their style – I doubt that Mr. Victor sets out to write a song in 7/8, but writes what the song dictates.

If you are looking for something different, heavy, original… you can’t go wrong with Prong.

Countess B
Odd Time Obsessed