|
You are viewing
Volume 41, Issue 1
August 25, 2003
To return to the current issue please click
here.
|
 |
August 25, 2003
Chalmers Green finds ‘remedy’ for
rock fans
By Carly
Schorman
Mesa Legend
These were the kids who holed
up in their bedrooms listening to old records instead of playing soccer
or hanging out at the gas station.
| |
|
| PHOTO
BY CARLY SCHORMAN/MESA LEGEND |
| Kevin
Prier (left) and Josh Kennedy (right) practice at Mayberry Studio
where Chalmers Green recently recorded their first album, ‘Remedy
for Everything,’ which should be released sometime in September. |
The result? Three musicians from the Midwest came to the valley with an
arsenal of rock-and-roll classics and songs of their very own.
Josh Kennedy (guitar) and brothers, Kevin Prier (vocals) and Ryan Prier
(bass), migrated west from Wheaton, Mo. The trio joined forces with Chico
Diaz (drums), a Phoenix native.
Together they formed Chalmers Green.
The group plans to release their first album,
“Remedy for Everything,” sometime in September.
At any given show, listeners can expect to hear rock standards littered
around original songs. The songs the foursome cover create a sing-along
for rock fans. The Doors’ “L.A. Woman”, Pink Floyd’s
“Money,” Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love”,
and Dire Straights’ “Sultans of Swing” are just a few
from the band’s impressive repertoire.
Much like the songs they cover, Chalmers Green’s own music skips
many recent innovations in popular music. Sticking to the clean, hard
sound of late 60’s and 70’s rock-and-roll; their songs ignore
distortion and other effects.
The band crafted its work in tradition and delivers it with power. However,
there is nothing outdated about their music. Rather, the raw sound puts
on a fresh face when Chalmers Green plays.
Unlike other bands on the local music scene, Chalmers Green does not fall
into the “Tempe” sound. There is no rustic feel or alt-country
approach which is often found in local rock bands, even in the bands they
share shows with.
The role of frontman is one aspect of Chalmers Green that defies tradition.
The singer in the center of the stage generally becomes the center of
fan attention. Kevin and Josh shape this role into a dichotomy.
Kevin unleashes an unpolished yet intense voice on the crowd. It appears
Kevin’s only vocal training came from singing with the albums he
listened to. Some may see a need for additional teachers to prevent the
occasionally awkward transitions between lows and highs or other minor
defects, but the unrefined nature of his voice also provides an unprocessed
feeling. Instead of skilled, Kevin comes off more as emotionally driven.
Josh compensates with ability that reaches beyond mere talent. He does
not lack Kevin’s potency but adds to it with technical know-how.
Musicians with more than Josh’s 22 years come to watch him perform
with reverence. Josh balances Kevin’s somewhat withdrawn appeal
with a charismatic stage presence.
Ryan and Chico are not to be overlooked even if overshadowed by those
in the spotlight. Chico’s seemingly endless supply of energy sustains
the drumbeat through the group’s occasional three or four hour shows.
Ryan goes beyond his older brother in his musical proficiency. He drifts
through the show emanating disinterest. In actuality, his adeptness leaves
his appearance free of the consuming concentration many need to not stumble
while playing.
The group’s stage antics detract form their skilled and earnest
sound. No one in the audience appears to be more into the music than the
people on stage. Well, maybe not Ryan. Kevin and Josh hop around with
rockstar style. Often the duo abandons their T-shirts somewhere in the
set. But, hey, it is always better that musicians enjoy their music than
not.
Back to Top
| Previous Page | Home
|
|
|
