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July 2001 Vol. 5 No. 8
 
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Artist Prime sth
Title Underneath the Surface
Label Giant Records
Reviewer Vinnie Apicella
Rating
Prime sth is a young band, age-wise: 4 boys just into their 20s. Noa Moden does vocals and plays guitar. Matin Palsson plays guitar and sings backing vocals. Jspr (pronounce it Jasper) Eksjo plays bass, and Kaz is on the drums. They are also an old band having been together for 10 years now. As 12 and 13 year olds in Stockholm, Sweden, they would get together to jam to their favorite AC/DC and Iron Maiden songs. As they learned to play their instruments, they also began to play their own songs, develop their own styles. They have recently moved to the USA, after signing with Giant Records. They think their music will fit the American scene better than it fit Stockholm, which they describe as, "...small town.... very suburban and confining." But they do homage to their roots with the 'sth' part of their name. It stands for Stockholm.

This is an acceptable debut album. They have a typical sound, nothing new or catching. Some of the songs stand out. The first one that caught my attention was I'm Stupid (Don't Worry About Me) It begins simply, solo voice, a bit of guitar, a bit of percussion, but grows in intensity to the phrase 'don't worry 'bout me. During the stanzas the music returns to a soft simple sound, all the better to pound us with the refrain 'Make it easy on yourself. Don't worry 'bout me.'

Another note-worthy track is Believe. This song is one of their older songs. It doesn't have the intensity some of their newer songs have, but it has a nice melodic flow and a great truth in the words: If you walk with your head down, you won't be able to see the sun. Most of the group's lyrics come from Noa Maden.

From the Inside is a dark piece. Drums and bass begin it; the vocals are distorted, dissonant and driving. This is the only piece on album that has a different, distinctive sound. I would hope to hear more songs from them in this almost goth style of music.

All the songs are good, solid rock and roll, but there is no flamboyancy, no spark. I hear good guitar, bass and drum playing, but nothing spectacular, nothing that grabs my attention and says, "Wow - that's good!!" They have potential, and I think we will see a steady growth in their music.

 


© 2001 AMZ/music-reviewer.com
Robert R. Lewis


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