The Prozacs – “Ambivalence”
The Prozacs are a Western Massachusetts band. Lotsa good bands out that way- there’s Marko & The Bruisers, Pajama Slave Dancers, Stiletto Bomb.
When I’m frequently interviewed by the National News media such as CNN News or Argricultural Digest- one of the questions I’m often asked is, “How does the Eastern Mass punk scene differ from the Western Mass punk scene?”
I always say, “Well, the West Coast boys are all into sunshine and surfing- cowabunga, dude. Though they have equally potent stuff, they’re more laid back, perhaps because of the warmer climate, out there. While the East Coast boys are more affected by the brutal weather and the harsh reality of city living.”
But strangely, there are no songs about surfing or girls in bikini’s (that would be Pajama Slave dancers material), or about beach fun on this album.
What you do get is a perfect dose of melodic punk that doesn’t pander to the masses, nor pander to the hardcore elite who demand some heavy metal rhythms along with some angst ridden, growly vocals, nor do they pander to the pandas in the Chinese zoos who yearn for Asian flute solos.
This album is all well sung, well played, well produced and, most importantly, contains well written songs- and, no ambivalence with me- I couldn’t like it better. Lotsa punk energy and belligerence on this album, too.
I think if you took the best of The Ramones, The Buzzcocks and The Queers and put it in a blender the concoction you might have would taste a lot like this release.
Let’s pour it all out and take a sip:
“Rockin’ Out,” is an apt title that starts out with hyperactive, jungle beats that bounces propulsive joy to your body and mind just like you’re strapped into a machine that sends electric shocks to your pleasure centers. Nice guitar and bass lines compliment the soaring backup vocals. This is an energetic, melodic punk song that does fulfill, greatly, in it’s title promise- as it is, unquestionably, in line with its’ titles promise, as it is- truly, rockin’ out.
“I don’t want to go to your party, I don’t want to drink another beer.” This song, “Party’s Over,” features, besides great writing and performance, a guitar lick that makes me think fondly of Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” I will always go to someone’s party and I will always want to drink one more beer. But after this song is over, my ears are quenched and I don’t need to hear, no other.
“Out Of Time” starts out with a great, seventies glitter/glam beat and catchy guitar lick. Soon the lead vocals are answered with a rather sour, dissonant lick that is equally effective, though the original one returns to reign it in. This is a short, but very formidable, excellent song.
Starting with a ringing, guitar lick “Wishing & Waiting,” has lyrics that express a desire for better weather and to connect with someone he loves. “It’s a feeling in my heart and I hope you feel it, too.” This song is yearning and emotional and real and truthful and rocks and kicks ass, too! There’s another guitar lick that wanders into treacherously, dissonant water that adds a little variance to the proceedings. But I wish and I wait for melodic/punk songs as great as this to come my way. And that feeling in your heart? Not only do I feel it, too. But it also, breaks mine in two, in a way. Favorite song on this album.
“Come Out Swinging” does just that with some chuggin’ guitar and terrific backup vocals. “Put ’em up just to knock them down. There’s one last chance in this nowhere town. Let’s go!” I don’t want to escape or even leave a song that’s so exuberant, energetic and passionate and as perfect as this.
Anyone who doubts that melodic punk can’t be as passionate and real and worthy as their favorite heavy, hardcore band- Well, I would point them here.
‘Cause this is just as real and powerful and intense as any band that I review.
Their last release was great at points, “Travel The Universe,” is still one of my favorite songs I’ve ever reviewed, but no way is their last release as solid as this one.
After what Marko & The Bruisers dished out earlier this year, namely, my favorite album of the year, so far. I’m questioning- “Is the East Coast Mass. scene really the best after all?”
Then it became clear to me- There’s no beaches in Northhampton! No beach side resorts in Springfield, Mass! No surf parties being formed in Greenfield or on the Western Mass farm lands.
Seems like I had it all wrong. But it also seems, I had it all right. As they are harvesting some mighty, fine punk out there in Western Mass.
All I can tell ya, is that I did taste it. I let my ears feast upon their ample punk harvest for all to partake in.
And it was good and tasty…and it has only made me- hungering for more.
(Slimedog)
