The Dichotomy of PRR

[hyperborean]

I'm bringing this up after our brief discussion of the dichotomy between the live on-stage music the band plays and the more finely tuned records they make. (I still think they play an incredibly nuanced and layered live show that parallels the albums, after listening to the NEARfest 2007 live album, but that doesn't include more recent material.) I've loved everything they've done. But would like to see how they would pull off something totally new for them, like bare-bones, even grungy garage rock.

[blondeambassador]

I'm not sure I see any of it fitting into categories like that...I like where they've gone sofar and sort of trust they'll do what they see best in the future.

I know they set out not be defined by any boundaries or categories in their 'band manifesto' so I kind of trust in that approach, it's worked up until now!

[hyperborean]

Yeah, BA, I very much agree on the "boundarylessness" being part of why the music is so VITAL. It's very lively, engaging, and interesting music, that often defies categories. But I do see this progression of thiers, from one point to another on a musical spectrum. And it just occurs to me that since they've already proven themselves adept, time and time again, they might continue to defy expectations. And what this poll represents for me is simply a tally of those expectations. It's a public opinion fascination rather than a criterion attached to the band.

[the dark fourth]

I want them to go more experimental, in the blitzkrieg/open insurrection direction. I think that although H&A sounds amazing and is very well written, they could make much more interesting and fulfilling music if they abandoned typical verse-chorus structures. Obviously they shouldn't limit themselves though.

[hyperborean]

haha - TDF - but those choruses! Jon writes such strong choruses! I think they COULD go more experimental, on some songs, sure. Keep up the good work!

[ryan]

eh, i dunno. whatever.
the good ship PRR is yet to run ashore so they are doing something right, i'm happy for captain cortney and crew to take it where ever it needs to go.

[hyperborean]

Yar.

[sticky]

I'm not really fussed if it's prog rock, or whatever, but just more rock in general would be good!
only band I can stomach that can fuse electronica and rock is the new Linkin Park stuff, and maybe Nine Inch Nails. or Rammstein.

[gilthar]

I just want them to use the vocals the way they are using them now.
it can be prog can be more electronic stuff doesn't matter to me.
though really love H&A sound!
just keep on surprising with each record and I'll be the happiest man on earth

[mhx]

Nov 3, 2010 18:44:38 GMT gilthar said:

I just want them to use the vocals the way they are using them now.
it can be prog can be more electronic stuff doesn't matter to me.
though really love H&A sound!
just keep on surprising with each record and I'll be the happiest man on earth

I totally agree. They can do most anything they want as long as they keep these strong vocal arrangements. Probably the only thing I'd wish for is some more real instead of sampled drums.

[hyperborean]

Yes. More awesome drums. They currently have really solid, epic sounding drums - and a solid, epic drummer...

....But - I like a little space for flair in there once in a while. PRR have some great groovy songs, and I would totally miss those if they were completely replaced by either sampled beats or over-bearing bombastic craziness. I do remember Paul saying something like he'd like to work on more "rock music" or something in an interview a while ago.

[butler]

How about more electronic, and more proggy.

I'd love an elctro-rocky concept album.

[musecubed]

Nov 4, 2010 18:58:15 GMT hyperborean said:

Yes. More awesome drums. They currently have really solid, epic sounding drums - and a solid, epic drummer...

I wouldn't go so far as to call them epic drums, but Paul's a solid drummer.

Me, personally, I like atmospheric and longer, well constructed songs. Dunno exactly how they could do it, but I agree with deviation from standard song structure. If they pursued the Open Insurrection direction (but retained the guitarwork), I'd be very happy.

[hyperborean]

I meant epic, referring to The Dark Third, where the drums were played with an almost orchestral flair. Where there would be big prominent crashes, instead of prolonged cymbal rolls and fills. And where the rhythms would have this steady pulse, but always building somehow with the rest of the song as in Voices In Winter and The Intention Craft. I specifically remember hearing the opening tracks to that disc for the first time and being amazed by the sense of space the rhythms evoked.

[ryan]

It wasn't Paul that recorded that record though.