ArtistInfo

Prime
Before The After

Album UK 2014 on Publichousebrand label
Alternative (Post-Punk, Punk)

It's a surprise this CD by English post-punk indie band Prime was finished at all. Singer Lee Heir and producer/multi-instrumentalist Tiago Queiroz fought like cats and dogs, leading to walkouts by Heir, an abandoned debut gig and near fist-fights; and original bassist Ryan Douglas' mother sadly passed away, him deciding to go back to his home isle of Jersey. Thankfully, he left some fine playing behind on this recording made in Hypermonosonic Studios, Nottingham, England, and new bassist Chris Munton and skilful drummer Dan Ryland proved to be a solid combination on the second half of the sessions, enabling Prime to play 'Before The After' live at gigs across England this last 6 months. Here is the mini-album track by track: 1. 'Flatline' - Opening track is an inventive mixture of hard rock, ska and soul, a lyrically bleak picture, ''Too many people haven't got much time / It's an every day suicide", that asks questions of the listener. Gospel choir leader Viola Asimba provides strong backing vocals. 2. 'Silly Billy' - A colossal Oasis-style riff from Tiago with a two-guitar rock n roll smash, possibly the catchiest hook on the album. Explicit lyrics. 3. 'Like The Weather' - ...''You stay with me forever.'' Very personal lyrics by Lee Heir about a long-lost love. It still has a choppy indie punch though, especially on the chorus. 4. 'Same Old Story' - A short waltz with a Deep Purple-era psych style keyboard by Tiago floating overhead as Lee Heir tells someone to shove it. Chris Munton's bassline drives it along. Explicit lyrics (...remember, this is a Prime album). 5. 'Teen TV' - Lifted from an early Clash riff, writer Lee Heir plays the part of a producer selling his star the rock 'n' roll lifestyle. ''They saw you on a TV screen / They covered you in margarine'' ... the band play for their lives here. 6. 'Take Me To Your Crew' (AKA 'Surf Posse') - Tiago plays this hurtling rocker like a maniac, mixing surf and punk in equal measure before Ryan Douglas and Dan Ryland reach their peak as a rhythm section, mixing crisp soul drumming, ska and disco basslines expertly. 7. 'Nothing But The Beat' - Chris Munton's first co-composition, it's punchy bassline launches it into a fast-reggae/rock chorus with soul backing (again by Viola Asimba). 8. 'Du What You Du' - The title a homage to hardcore punk Bob Mould and his band Husker Du, this song has backing vocals by the talented singer-songwriter Rosie Abbott (Lee Heir and Abbott fell out after the recording, causing him to credit her as 'Hyacinth Costello' on the album sleeve). Big riffs end the album on a positive note: ''Know your heart, know your mind / No rush, you'll do it in time''. 9. Bonus Track 'White Boys, White Noise' - Originally cut from the promos bought out mid-2014, it's free-form funk-blues and slap-bass is possibly at odds with the rest of the recordings, leading to the song's bonus status. ''White girls get bored / Man U just scored'', rants a hacked off Lee Heir as Prime improvise on this mini-rollercoaster. All in all, a good start from one of the Midlands' most promising new bands.

Musicians

	Prime , album by
	Chris Munton b, bass
	Ryan Douglas b, bass, drums, bass guitar
	Dan Ryland dr, drums
	Tiago Queiroz eg, voc, g, electric guitar
	Lee Heir voc, lead vocals
	Chirs Munton , bass

Producers

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