Request: Prawn - False institutions (EP)

I usually know most of the bands that ask me to review their records, but rarely am I really enthusiastic about their music. At least, not as much as I am about Prawn's music. Prawn is a small band from Ridgewood, New Jersey. A small band like hundreds of others, I would tend to say. Until you hear them play.

'False institutions' is their second EP. It's not only promising, it is also fucking great. First, there are the vocals. Singer/guitarist Tony Clark's voice is just so real and catchy, its vocals following the amazing intro of 'Nightmares' immediately warn you that what you're holding in your hands is not ordinary. This song is incredibly powerful, the vocals bringing so much energy. 'Arctic foxes', though weaker, is another vocal success, with the addition of handclaps and strong gang vocals at the beginning and at the end. Clark's lyrics are very pragmatic, realistic and often give the impression to be taken out of a casual onversation. They don't try to play the smart or wanna-be-poet card, they just keep up with sincerity and end up being fairly poignant. But it wouldn't be fair to talk about Prawn without dwelling on the guitar work. 'Thousand grains of sand' is the perfect illustration of the four-piece's instrumental greatness: after a few minutes of Explosions In The Sky-like driving progressions, a heavy rhythm picks it up to blow you away. Once again on 'Courage kills men', the guitars play a massive role in captivating the listener with their endless lines and crescendos. How can you be upbeat and poppy when you have long instrumental parts? I have no idea, but they do. They manage to be appealing to a wide audience while bringing elements of lesser-known music sensibilities. The drums are nothing special, but I like the way they sound in the mix as well. The slow pace of superb closer 'Family tree' reminded me of 'Goodbye sky harbor', the last fabulous track off Jimmy Eat World's masterpiece 'Clarity' and probably one of the best closers of all time. Prawn produced six songs of midwestern emo mixed with post-rock subtility, all of that being not too much elaborate to be fairly accessible.

'False institutions' is a record of compelling, half-measure music. With their second EP, Prawn avoid all the cliches of easy post-rock to produce something genuinely good, full of great intentions and overall well-executed. Keep an eye on those four guys, chances are they will be opening for your favorite bands very soon...

4/5

Nb.: The band made the entire EP available for download here.

Recommanded if you like:
Moving Mountains, Brand New, Park
Check also:
The Devil And The Lion, A Perfect Kiss, Rockets And Bluelights

www.myspace.com/prawnnj
(Self-released, 2009)