CD Review: American Princes - Less and Less

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.

Article Author: A.L. Harper

I'm a writer and music journalist originally from Salt Lake City, but now living in Scotland. I was a Punk/Goth in the '80s and these artistic influences have stayed with me; although a love of Chopin, chamber music, and Spanish guitar would seem to belie this. …

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