The Prids, Chronosynclastic

By Jemiah Jefferson

Fully recovered from an intensely bad 2009, the black-clad Portland-based quartet emerges as if from a chrysalis, their sound now fully formed. These days, the Prids have a sound all their own, no longer reminiscent of New Wave pastiche and riffs cribbed from old goth favorites. The Prids are their own group now, with a sound as distinctive and unique as any of their inspirations while allowing enough room to shout out as the mood strikes.

The additional assistance of Doug Martsch from Built to Spill on additional guitar and vocal harmonies detracts not at all; he is there as an enhancement, elevating and expanding the signature ringing, dreamy guitar sound. He’s just there to help; the Prids already set the scene.

Chronosynclastic is comprised of ten strong tracks, mostly featuring the sexily combined voices of guitarist David Fredrickson and bassist Mistina La Fave and their catchy, melodic, sing-along choruses. It’s not all cheerful makeout sessions, though.

“Waste Our Time” has a muscular rhythm and a moody, gothic tinge of desperation that demands some kind of dancing; “In the Fall” features a funky “baggy” drumbeat that would have perfectly situated the Prids in the Ride/Chapterhouse/Verve Britpop movement; and “Desolate” is a lovely slice of Morrissey-esque romanticism, intoning wearily, “The sun comes, I fall in love.” A universal sentiment; if it’s a cliché, it’s only because it’s true.

Somehow, despite life’s troubles, the Prids make it all fresh and beautiful again.

Chronosynclastic was released on June 11 and is available via Velvet Blue Music and iTunes.

The Prids play at L.A.’s Spaceland tonight with Space Waves and Lotan Boba. Check the band’s website for more upcoming shows.