REVIEW

CD Review: American Princes - Less and Less

Written by A.L. Harper
Published May 10, 2006

American Princes' second CD Less and Less was, for me, almost a sexual experience. This indie rock band from Little Rock, Arkansas and their bluesy garage-rock sound is breathtaking in its intensity and emotional release. It's like making love outside in the pouring rain. And you'll love every minute of it.

American Princes unique lyrical, vocal, and musical combinations create a sound that ranges from Kings of Leon to the Chili Peppers, Cream to Bowie. Less and Less is a triumph of talent and imagination. It's raw but cultivated, passionate yet intelligent, retro and cutting-edge rock with provocative blues undercurrents. I loved this album but not without exception.

"Open Letter" has a lot of drum and rhythm guitar. David Slade's unique vocals are gravelly, arousing and raw. "Annie" mixes acoustic guitar and synthesized strings that, together with Slade's rough, bordering on hushed, vocals create a sweet, innocent, wild-flowers-picked-from-an-obliging-field, lost-love kind of a song.

"Never Grow Old" has the same throaty, carnal, vocals, emotive lyrics and — what you soon learn is an American Princes trademark — catchy riff. It will have you singing along before you even know all the words. "You & Them" is beautifully acoustic with reverently sung poignant lyrics.

"Breaks" sounds like a nod to Chris Isaak. Soft, melodic bass lines and pulsating beats drive Slade's intense, deep, sensual vocals to a wet, quivering, all but orgasmic brink.

It wasn't true love however. "Stolen Blues" sounds like the Clash with soft bits and I never warmed to it. And "TV Keeps Me Up" is a skiffle nightmare that is out of place on what is otherwise an excellent album.

This album feels like sex on a CD. Less and Less is a sensual, sexual, throbbing, rock & roll/ blues classic. And I think I may be in love.

How does this thing work againA.L. Harper is an American lost in the history and passion of living in Scotland. She enjoys motorbikes, music, art and wanking. She is Blogcritics Assistant Music Editor and runs the Band of the Week feature, profiling a different indie (unsigned/inde label) band every week (contact her for more information). She is also the Managing Editor for AllThingsGirl.com and a freelance writer.
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CD Review: American Princes - Less and Less
Published: May 10, 2006
Type: Review
Section: Music
Filed Under: Review, Music: Indie Rock, Music: Blues, Music: Alternative Rock
Writer: A.L. Harper
A.L. Harper's BC Writer page
A.L. Harper's personal site
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Comments

#1 — May 10, 2006 @ 10:25AM — chantal stone [URL]

Sounds like a hot CD, I might have to pick it up...

great review, Andrea!

#2 — May 10, 2006 @ 11:22AM — Spew [URL]

He sounds a bit like Cedric Bixler too. Nice review. i own it now.

#3 — May 10, 2006 @ 13:19PM — A.L. Harper [URL]

It really is an excellent CD. He has such a sexy voice. Made me purr just listening to him.

#4 — August 17, 2006 @ 11:37AM — Ann

Check out the new American Princes video!

Its sweet.

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