"Weekend" by Priory

So Hipster: (not in order because I can't find it online) Vocalist/Bassist Brandon Johnson, Guitarist/Backup Vocalist Kyle Dieker, Drummer Rich Preinesberger, and Guitarist Greg Harpel 

Hey guys, Lia here with another Alternative song review, featuring a band from right here in the States.

I realize I review many songs that aren't from the U.S. so I'm seeking to remedy that by reviewing Priory, a band from Portland, Oregon. Brandon Johnson, Kyle Dieker, Joe Mingus, and Greg Harper formed Priory back in 2009 and were indie for some time until they signed with Warner Bros. in 2011. All of the band members are experienced musicians and I read in an interview here that it took a long time to get an album together because all the band members couldn't clear enough time in their schedule between being in other acts to record. And, in a way, I'm glad. Because some bands need that experience first before getting together so that their first album won't sound like first albums usually do, tentative and inexperienced.

Their self-titled album doesn't sound tentative or inexperienced. I've been listening to a few of the songs and they are less pop than I imagined. It's really only "Weekend" that sounds pop; everything else has that folk sound I associate with Portland music. Musically, they remind me of Kodaline, Mumford And Sons, and Arcade Fire. They all have that similar folk, pop, alternative sound.

"Weekend" is a standout in this album. Priory discovered that perfect combination of pop, electronic, and folk that stays true to who they are without alienating anyone with particular music tastes. The last time a band hit it perfectly like that was Capital Cities with their song "Safe And Sound." "Weekend" is pretty much a songwriter's dream because it attracts the 'Top 40' crowd while being enjoyable to people with more alternative tastes, like me. Because you can't hate this song. Anyone under 25 would be crazy not to understand and like the lyrics. "Weekend" is all about..well, the weekend. It's about being young and free with money in your pocket and lots of time to spare. It's about shaking out the working days and donning your cutest outfit to run wherever you want and maybe shooting some cupid arrows and falling in love for a few days. Melodically, the song is simple, but accented with electronic elements that make the song more fun. Honestly, my favorite part of the song's melody is the beginning hook bit with the guitar picking. It's light touches like that which makes this song so enjoyable to listen to.

Priory sounds like they don't shirk on the details and I bet you'll be hearing this song in the top charts in a few weeks.

I like this other song by them!

Rating: 3 Records

Photo: indiemusicfilter.com

Information: Wikipedia, blogs.dallasobserver.com