There really aren't many negatives about being a reviewer for Stereokiller. Sometimes I get to hear shit that absolutely blows me away. Sometimes I get shit that is shit and just blows. If it is the latter I usually just have a good time making jokes out of it. However, there are some records that are just so plain and boring that I just stare at the keyboard. That is where I find myself with Prima Donna on their second full length Bless This Mess.
I knew I was in for a shit storm when I saw the "as seen on tour with Green Day" sticker. I don't really have anything against Green Day, but it was troubling when that was their only selling point. Add to that their cover art is a photo of themselves with a black saxophone carelessly lying in the middle of the floor. On top of that, they look like a couple of butch dykes.
Anyway, the music, that is the important part right? Prima Donna are under the delusion that they are playing something that even remotely represents punk rock. They couldn't be further off. This is glam rock that isn't all that glamorous. Its pretty typical cock rock with nods at The Beatles and bands of that era. The only songs that do anything for me are "Broken" which heavily incorporates the piano and almost has a Billy Joel feel to it. The verses are more enjoyable than the chorus, but really it is a pretty good song. "Miss Avenue" also adds heavy dosages of piano and saxophone at a different pace that keeps the song interesting and catchy. The problem with the rest of the album is that there is just a lack of interesting things going on.
Prima Donna also lacks a standout element. No one in the band steps into the spotlight at any point on the record. They are all on the same page, but it'd be cool to see someone take an extra step. For a sound that isn't entirely popular they have played it pretty safe and came up pretty damn short.
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