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5 out of 10
Oh, what joy - the NME conclave have declared another genre of music into existence. It's called 'new shoe rock' and Prego, the unwitting subjects of this review, make the 'massive-bollocked' variety - 'good records with even better press'. Passing over the irony of that last quote from the band's web site, I can barely contain myself and may have to spend some time recovering, in the toilet. To be honest, though, the PR doesn't know quite what to make of Prego. Steve Lamacq has 'earmarked' them, (Which I hope wasn't too painful) and they are, at once, 'post-rock', 'thrash rock' and 'stunning rock' with 'intricate, luscious melodies' and 'intricate lyrical grace'. So, they 'rock' and they're 'intricate', then. Good grief. Let's just listen to them, shall we, and make up our own minds?
Forget any Italian notions brought on by the band name. Cause and Resolve threatens to jangle us to death, with its stolid 1980s dum-dum-tom rhythm and intro pinched from a Smiths B-side. However, fear not. We are soon launched into a fine take on quiet / loud, Wedding Present / My Bloody Valentine territory which, though a bit too earnest, hints at the orgasm of sound promised in the press. I emphasise 'hints', though - on the strength of this track, Prego are no MBV. In fact, if I were to be completely heartless, I would say they sound more like Menswear discovering Slowdive - such is the time machine the music pushes you into, if you let it. The explosive punch of the main riff (Particularly after the mini bass solo) prevents such a shoddy dismissal, however.
Lyrically, the track is quite minimalist, with esoteric references to the effect that 'the lights will burn out bright' and 'you know the fight will wind up in time'. Whatever that means. But music is the most abstract of art forms, don't forget, so make of Prego what you will. Best taken under the influence of almost total darkness during a thunderstorm, I would say. Baggy black jumper optional.
Listen: www.myspace.com/pregomusic
Tracklist:
1. Cause And Resolve
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