When a band is likened to the Dave Matthews Band these days, a wrinkle between the eyebrows usually forms, and slight hemorrhaging of the musical artery that pulses inside every diehard fusion/pop/rock auteur commences. It's not that DMB is a poor, or unworthy, band to be compared to. It's that usually its comparison is an unfair link. It's like calling American Idol winner Ruben Studdard the next Stevie Wonder.
But then again, sometimes a band falls from the sky upon the local scene, and sparks of excitement fly rampant. Prioress, led by violin-and-vocal phenom Christina Courtin, is one of those bands. Their latest release, "Curtain Number Three," not only lives up to the most casual of DMB references, it explodes with a uniqueness not usually included on other supposed knock-offs.
All tracks are written by Courtin, who spends time outside the studio at the esteemed Julliard School in New York City. A full discourse of Courtin's stringed talent is not the highlight of the disc, unfortunately. But with a wealth of vocal harmonies, all provided by Courtin, the occasional absence of her violin wizardry is gladly excused.
Leading off with the perfectly likeable "Perfect Nonsense," a cool reversed riff opens the pleasing chord progressions, something each song benefits from. Rich with multi-layered track trickery, producer and band manager Dan Castellani offers sophisticated work right off the bat. If the concluding chorus of Courtin's rich harmonies isn't enough to immediately push repeat, nothing else on the CD is likely to please.
With little chance to breathe after such a warm opening reception, "Someone To Love" continues the pleasure the band's happy-go-lucky mood setting. It's too bad the summer has already passed; this track is what speeding down the highway, singing along at embarrassing volumes is all about.
The title track is a little lackluster, but perhaps the unexpected and abrupt introduction is a little much to just settle into without a second to adjust. It still exhibits mature songwriting, and Prioress' wave of approval flows right past the minor flaws.
Released on Castellani's own local Slice Records, the band has already established their musical soul in the tried-and-true formula of accomplished musicianship. Matt Tiffany's guitars on "See You Go" are especially complimentary of the song's breeziness.
The disc is a big ole pile of fun, and while the eight tracks are not nearly enough to satisfy, they spin a pleasing 30 minutes of musical webbing. Perhaps a next step in Prioress' career should be an attempt at a less produced, more relaxed organic sound. It's not that "Curtain Number Three" offers too much of a good thing, but no artist should sound so professional so early in their career.
ARTIST:Prioress
ALBUM: "Curtain Number Three"
LABEL:Slice Records
GRADE:A-
RELEASED:Available at www.prioress.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
