Prosperina

The first sight we get of a new band is the album sleeve and so often you look at the sleeve and think “Wow, great titles” but the tracks are just formulaic drivel.
Prosperina seem to have managed to attach some superb songs and playing to great song titles and the result is rather special.

From opening number, ‘Chase To The Throne’, you are assaulted by huge slabs of sound, guitar lines that carry the melody on and heartfelt vocals that sear into the psyche. ‘The Cult Leaders Handbook’ continues the treatment and on through 10 tracks that show just how good hard rock can be when the band has the chops to avoid endless riffing and speed for its own sake.

They are a three piece (the holy number) but you might not know it from the sound they produce as Gethin Woolcock’s guitars and vocals are underpinned by Yotin Walsh’s drums and Owen Street’s bass. There is an almost choral element to Woolcock’s vocals but his guitar work is searing, exciting and, at times, judders hard against your preconceptions. Walsh is one of the most effective drummers I’ve heard this year, doing his thing without detracting from the music or shouting “listen to me” but massive when needed and Street’s bass is always there, holding it all together and creating a platform for the music.

There are elements of Tool here as well as many others but Prosperina stand on their own – South Wales finest and one of the best on the scene at the moment.