PRIMA DONNA
AFTER HOURS

A five-man high-energy machine, PRIMA DONNA have only been on the scene for three years, yet in that time have knocked out over 200 shows, nearly a third in Europe. Their live show is a whirlwind of color, energy, bravado, volume and an avalanche of catchy, sing-along choruses. Clearly inspired by the early punk of groups such as X-Ray Specs, the Damned, and the Sex Pistols as well as 70s glitter such as Mott the Hoople and David Bowie, the group’s sharp ‘n’ concise songwriting sidesteps any notions of the group being ‘retro’. How retro can a group be if their savage age is 22? Combining thick rhythm guitars with stinging lead lines, the sound is explosive and propelled by ceaseless forward motion, yet never is melody sacrificed. Solos are never allowed to noodle or shred-whether taken by Kevin on guitar or Aaron on sax or keyboards, they have to be as soulful and melodic as the songs the support. Up front and center, Kevin proves to be the man of the hour, singing in a strong tenor that is at once sultry and swaggering, clear and unaffected. The group proved to be as at home in the studio as they are on road. Co-producing the album with Messiaz (Eddie Spaghetti, Neila, Monique Powell, Ladykillers), the band’s pure vision of what rock’n’roll is permeates every track. Muscular riffs, to-the-point lyrics, killer licks, songs that get themselves over with in under three minutes…it ain’t a formula you’re living it. These guys live it, all year ‘round, on the road, in the studio, in the street.