The Prissteens sputtering raw female lyrics

CD REVIEW

By Holly Watson, On-line Forty-Niner

June 4,1998

Three girls and a guy from New York City calling themselves The Prissteens, have just released their 13 track debut punk-pop album, "Scandal, Controversy & Romance, " on the Almo Sounds label.

The album is a tailgate party for other neuvo girl-bands like Republica, Elastica and Varuca Salt, sputtering raw female lyrics to punk-pop sounds reminiscent of Mary's Danish on a collision course with Joan Jet.

"Scandal, Controversy & Romance" buzzes like a firefly with Leslie Day's and Tina Cannellas' bright, boisterous guitars and vocals, Lori Yorkman's hungry, grizzly bass and vocals, and Joe Vincent's hard, fast drums.

Unlike other neuvo girl-bands, The Prissteens showcase deep throated vocals, reserving happy, high notes for boisterous echos and harmonies.

The album's snappiest melodies, rawest lyrics, and strongest performances resound in "The Hound," "I Don't Cry," "Scandal, Controversy & Romance," "What's She Got," and "I'm Devastated."

On the whole, "Scandal, Controversy & Romance," is an admirable effort by The Prissteens. A large portion of the album boasts a savory sound, and although some songs lack variety, others are ripe for radio playlist picking.