Los Angeles – Longtime friends Brandon Rush and Kyle Sears are the duo behind the electro-pop band, Priory. This relatively unknown band from Portland, Oregon that originally debuted a folky guitar-driven self-titled record in 2011 on a small label are currently on tour opening for UK act, The Kooks. While mainstreamers The Kooks are back supporting a new album, the real attraction at The Observatory on a recent night appeared to be Priory. This past June, the band released their single, “Weekend,” which is receiving heavy play on MTV.com, local radio stations, and stirring up quite the chatter for the band. Their new resonance is far different than their folk rock upbringings. A little bit of dance, electro-pop, and psych-pop, Priory’s fresh echo will definitely hit a chord with today’s youth. From the six new songs they played, (nothing from 2011’s debut), the recurring theme was the survival of youth. Priory is holding onto the allure of adolescence and it hasn’t sounded this fun or worthwhile in quite sometime.
One of the newer tracks, “Call To Arms,” which Best New Bands recently posted, appears to have it all. From jubilant melodies, dance beats for days, and slick vocals, Priory are equipped with an abundance of singles in their repertoire. It’s a song about an uproarious romantic relationship and taking a stand against a girl who’s running all over you. The anthem for young men being taken advantage of is clearly found in “Call To Arms.” Backed by a full band, Priory has the ability to perform with much pizazz and fervor. They are having tons of fun displaying their edge and it has become increasingly difficult to ignore the youthful energy presented on stage. The raw intensity of the performance, along with the sleek and instantly catchy arrangements, allowed Priory to connect with most everyone in attendance. Another potential single, “Big Love,” speaks about the choices made in life, the love we all deserve. When it comes your way, “big love is going to knock you out,” as Rush proclaimed on the stage. The song features tight, danceable beats alongside a free-styling approach to singing. Once again, the chorus is ridiculously hypnotizing. Each song was consumed by so much power and drive that it felt like the wind was knocked out of you by the end of their short set.
“Weekend” was the defining track the audience seemed to know by heart. It caters to the generation that fights through the banality of the work/school week to find something uniquely special to them on the ever so appealing weekend. It’s a simple tune with an underbelly filled with the desires of breaking through this world. Priory connected on many levels with such an indelible and overpowering performance. “Weekend” soars with terrific vocals, audacious arrangements, and a message that reminds you life is way too short for the nonsense and conformity society heavy-handedly puts on today’s youth.
In the end, the only disappointment was the small set time. By far the most exciting and fresh act of the night, Priory may find themselves at the helm of becoming the next big thing in pop. If you’re seeking a night out to let loose, check out the seemingly humble dudes from Priory. Their music and mind set seem to be refreshingly unpretentious, which kind of goes something like this: If you deem certain circumstances in life to be impossible, you’re allowing yourself to be viewed as “impossible.” Priory unknowingly looks at that word and character flaw in a different and better way…“I’m possible.”
Check out Priory’s Facebook for more information about upcoming tour dates with The Kooks as well as news on their much-anticipated sophomore album coming out in 2015 via Warner Bros. Records.
Sean Kayden
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