Los Angeles – When the infectiously catchy “Weekend” debuted last year, Portland-based Priory gained an overwhelming awareness in the blogsphere. It really put longtime friends Brandon Rush and Kyle Sears on the map despite already releasing their debut album back in 2011 on a small label. The change of style into the realm of dance-pop/electro-rock allowed them to acquire some much-deserved attention.

With a sophomore album (and major label debut on Warner Bros.) Need To Know, Priory are escalating beyond on their 4-song EP from last year with a 10-song collection of refreshing electronic pop songs just in time for summer. It’s purely pleasurable all the way through providing the listener with an extremely fun experience.  (Ed., Best New Bands’ live review last fall noted: “Priory is holding onto the allure of adolescence and it hasn’t sounded this fun or worthwhile in quite sometime.”)

Additionally, there’s a plethora of danceable beats to get down to in the 35-minute endeavor. However, this theme of surviving is attached to the songs. On Need To Know a youthful enthusiasm is present as Priory tries to hold onto adolescence as that period of life often quickly diminishes before one truly realizes it’s gone. The intrinsic likeability the record possesses is noteworthy.

“Call To Arms” launches the record into overdrive. Equipped with ecstatic melodies and glossy vocals, Priory’s opening track gets the supercharged album off to a flashy start. In “Put ‘Em Up,” Priory introduces the song with slick guitar picking before it gets rolling. When it does transition, the arrangements are outrageously appealing. In crafting “Put ‘Em Up,” Priory found the inspiration from Rush’s brother’s involvement in the military, where he was consistently harassed for being gay. The song comes off like an anthem for social issues such as accepting one’s own sexuality.

“Weekend” is undeniably a guilty pleasure song, but a memorable one at that. It soars with Rush’s affable vocals, audacious arrangements of sleek beats and this essence of cool buried within. “Friends & Demons” reminds me a little of The Griswolds with the sampling of kids vocals in the chorus. Fortunately, this added element doesn’t truly distract from the lower tempo rhythm track. The track is tremendously uplifting as Rush sings with certain R&B flair. As the listener shifts from one track to the next, they’ll notice this trend of exceedingly satisfying sounds. At 10-tracks, Need To Know is the perfect dose of adrenaline. If you need to jump start your day, this album should be your morning wake up call.

It doesn’t get any more enthralling than on “New Thing.” If you’re not dancing to this one, something must be terribly wrong. With the combined forces of the fortitude within Rush’s voice and the intoxicating electro-pop resonance, “New Thing” feels absolutely new within the territory of the genre. “Paper Tiger” is another example of how Priory has this pure aptitude to craft such addicting songs for the listener. Within the soundscape they’re roaming in, Priory is making their existence stand out. “Big Love” supplies effervescent beats, catchy lyrics, and melodies that are utterly delightful to the ears. Title track, “Need To Know,” delves into a deeper lyricism. It’s a prime instance where the group attempts to involve serious themes within their buoyant electro-pop endeavors. Priory’s high-energy attitude is something to be admired as they successfully attempt to go beyond the standard affair of indie-pop. It is evident Priory is in love with the songs they are developing for the masses to hear. In return, it won’t be too problematic for listeners to reciprocate that same sentiment back once they get a full listen of Need To Know.

Priory is currently on tour opening up for Kaiser Chiefs. Check out their Facebook on select dates near you.

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Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.

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