Soaring in from San Francisco, California, the garage rock band and 4-piece Wicked Pricks make their big debut with a heavy-hitting 9-track album entitled 'Perseverance.'
With a common goal to create a unique sound and draw from their collective influences, the 4-piece band Wicked Pricks has truly surpassed our expectations from each aspect. The thrilling garage rock band comprises Maria Gorre on drums, John Ellis on guitar and vocals, Dan Poole on rhythm guitar, and Chris Smith on bass. The band recently released their gripping debut album, 'Perseverance,' and we're excited to share the impressive venture with you.
The album kicks into gear with the introductory track, "Cannot Be Beat," which takes off with Wicked Pricks' thrilling garage rock instrumentals that set the song's lively and energetic tone. As Ellis begins belting his flavorful and upbeat vocal stylings, Wicked Pricks make their way over to the hook with this overall anthemic and exciting feel that leaves us tapping our feet. We love the nostalgic feel of this track; it takes us back to the 70s and 80s when head-banging and groovy rock n' roll peaked. This track is the perfect way to open such an exhilarating record.
Moving onto track number two, "She's So Bored," the song opens with another heavy rhythm guitar arrangement by Dan Poole alongside Ellis' grunge-like and smooth vocal portrayal. Before we know it, Maria Gore makes her background vocal appearance while perfectly evening out the song's texture. We must also mention how much we adore the oohs and ahhs within the other background vocals; it adds a dash of that familiar and groovy 60s surf rock feel we know and love. Ellis continues to charismatically sing of a woman who wants to be ignored instead of taking part in the societal roles we play.
Reaching track number three, "Self Destruct," a similar grungey and garage rock instrumental melts through our speakers with an array of crunchy guitars, Smith's dense and plucky bass licks, and Gore's driving drum breaks. Ellis then takes off into his invigorating vocal performance while asking for a helping hand after digging himself into a self-destructive pit. We adore the relatable concept of this track, not to mention the bright and soulful instrumentals that melt our speakers with nothing but energy and heat; the entire track is truly a treat for the ears.
Pack it up and "Take A Hike" with Wicked Pricks' fourth track. We instantly take off into the flames as Wicked Pricks drenches us in their upbeat and flaming hot instrumentals that set the song's thrilling and lively tone. Ellis then grabs the song by the horns and belts his beaming vocals while singing of some sort of unhealthy relationship that's clearly run its course. This is definitely the most exciting track on the album thus far, and it's all the more invigorating with the dense electric guitar solos, thumping rhythm guitar, stimulating bass licks, and punchy drum arrangements.
Landing on the album's halfway point with the fifth track, "Nimmer A," the track opens with a similar upbeat and quick instrumental that later moves into the thrilling verse with Ellis' confident and powerful vocal portrayal while singing a tale of a man who seems like he's up to nothing. However, he's got a thorough plan that not many would understand. This song is like the lively anthem for the lonely wanderer, but the wanderer has a few tricks up his sleeve. There are a few instrumental breakdowns in this track that leak anticipation and energy.
Moving onto the next track, "Nimmer B (Where's the Truck)," the song opens with a highly compact and exciting garage rock instrumental that kicks our speakers over. This song is a bit shorter in length, like a thorough and jam-packed interlude that continues the story of Nimmer, who has his squad wondering where the truck is? Where are the snacks? This song sounds like the exciting soundtrack to a movie scene where a young and enthusiastic band is on their way to a gig they couldn't be more excited about.
Slowing it down and spicing up the angst with the seventh track, "General Frustration," the title perfectly reflects what the song is all about. As Poole kicks the song into gear with his crunchy rhythm guitar, Wicked Pricks then make their entire garage rock instrumental appearance while sonically depicting the anger within. We love the instrumental transitions in this track; Wicked Pricks slows down the tempo on the hook to portray their "General Frustration" with people around town while picking up the energy to keep us moving and grooving.
Driving through our speakers are Maria Gore's well-rounded drum breaks on the eighth track, "Unsafe Tow," where she later meets Poole's blazing rhythm guitar and Smith's dense bass licks. As a few background vocals begin to brighten the song's atmosphere, Wicked Pricks continue their flaming performance while winning us over with each transition. We appreciate the gritty and heavy instrumental approach Wicked Pricks have taken with this track, as it perfectly rounds out the album with Ellis' beaming lead guitar while closing the song with the utmost energy.
Making our way to the album's final track with "Thinking Too Much," Poole opens this track with his rhythmic electric guitar while Gore's snappy hi-hats dance through our speakers alongside Ellis' relatable lyrics of overthinking. We love the heart and energy this song offers, which is amplified once Ellis' bright lead guitar sonically serenades our ears. While he continues to sing of overthinking and wondering how to get himself out of such a rut, we make our way to the final seconds of this memorable album while Wicked Pricks closes the project on a sharp and fiery note.
Do yourself a favor and get in the groove of Wicked Pricks' debut 9-track album, 'Perseverance,' now available on all digital streaming platforms.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Wicked Pricks. We were truly taken aback when listening to your debut album, 'Perseverance.' Were there any themes or concepts you wanted to get across within this record?
I would say the theme of this album is the title, Perseverance. We actually didn’t have an album title until the release date. When the album was finished, we felt that a feeling of Perseverance was the most common feeling and emotion captured in these songs. And we think that’s a good feeling to instill in others.
What was the most challenging aspect of creating your album, 'Perseverance'? What hurdles did you have to jump?
This album was recorded, produced, and released entirely by the band. That makes for a lot of work! The recording process was all done in our rehearsal studio and mixed and mastered at our lead singer’s apartment. He had to learn many new techniques on the fly. It felt important to us to be hands-on for this release since we have put so much time and effort into it.
Does your band have a favorite song off 'Perseverance'? Which track did you have the most fun creating?
“Take a Hike” would be the most common favorite amongst the band members. It’s an upbeat song with an attitude that makes you feel independent and strong. The most fun song to write was Nimmer B (Where’s the Truck). It’s loosely written around a corner store near our old rehearsal space. This one started as a riff we’d goof around with during practice, but then it expanded, and we wrote lyrics to it, and the rest is history!
Could you expand on your band's creative process? Who handles the songwriting, arrangements, etc.?
We have the typical “jam sessions” at band practices, and often, good things can come from those. Most of the songs were written independently, with a melody and lyrics, then brought to rehearsals, where other members would write their parts. For this album, the main lyrics and songwriting were done by John Ellis, with song and writing contributions from Maria Gorre, Chris Smith, and Dan Poole.
How does the album 'Perseverance' represent your band? How can we get to know you better through this record?
This album shows the band’s personality pretty well. It’s fun, honest, intense, and sometimes a little silly. We never have tried to assign a specific style/theme to anything we write, so the songs all have some personality to them. As a band that’s always been our goal: Have fun, and be yourself!