It’s unlikely Pro –Audio want to be regarded as cool, geek cool possibly, but not that black clad chin stroking cool. That much is clear from track one, (one which I am not even going to type out, being, as it is, a full sentence) starting off a bit like Weezer, who they name as contemporaries, it quickly regenerates into an amalgam of scuzzy twee indie rock.
In fact most of the songs have this feel about them. Just when your head nod or booty shake has its sights set on interpreting the song, it changes on you. I suppose there may be criticisms validly directed here, but stolid boredom is not one. It’s not going to be to everyone’s taste. If you are of a nervous disposition I would look away now. Some of the songs, most really, have at their core some really nice melodies. Also the majority of them are written, not in that quasi real way about going down the shops, but are, like, stories that mostly didn’t happen at all. Unless ‘The Night I Punched Dracula In The Face’ actually did happen, in which case, kudos to you Pro Audio.
I don’t think the world has been crying out for a band like this, but it doesn’t make it any less welcome. It’s a nice shift of pace, and completely takes you in to the world that they have created. It may sound sloppy and unfocused, the vocals exude that haphazardly recorded appeal that elevates Ben Folds Five above standard radio fodder, but there is real craft here. They have a nice ear for melody and eye for drama.
Taking inspiration from their peers and Kurt Vonnegut, Pro Audio have crafted a selection of interesting multi-dimensional songs. It will, undoubtedly be ignored by many, written off and denigrated, but it deserves and demands more than glib rejection.
//Jamie Brown