Prima Donna – Restored

Band/Artist: Prima Donna
Album: Restored
Genera: Pop, Alternative Rock, Jam Band

URL – http://www.primadonnamusic.com/news/

Bio: Prima Donna is an exciting female fronted alternative pop/rock band from the Philadelphia area. The band features the song writing/guitar playing of twin sisters Gina and Tina Cieri and the distinctive vocals of lead vocalist Debbie Kernan. The rhythm section consists of Jeremy Englebert on bass and Dave Wiesinger on drums. The band originally formed back in 2003.

Review: “Restored” is their latest release and the result though far from a self-indulgent ego trip, rather a moving and elegiac artistic statement from start to finish. This is not your overly predictable Ramon Noodle Pop Rock band, no Prima Donna goes much deeper than that. In-fact Prima Donna could be classed as a 4 genera artist: Alternative Rock, Classic Rock, Jam Band, Pop, and Pop. Prima Donna has way too much precision and clarity to live in the shadows of overly-predictable Pop Rock. Indeed this is clearly evident in songs like “Get The Message” “Madness” and “Change it Up” which methodically ups the ante to a very respectable level of catchy musical expression and elite level craftsmanship that transcends typical pigeonholing. The music manages to be commercially viable with a fresh sound and an entertaining vibe that makes a real connection with the listener – especially in a live setting. All pieces within this album hold the attentions span of the listener perfectly. In a nutshell this is Quarterflash, meets The Waitresses, meets Pat Benetar meets The Go Go’s “Restored” appeals to many listeners with a wide variety of musical styles – but at the end of the day is just a whole elot of fun to listen to. .

Criticism: It’s fair to say all songs over 3.5 minutes tend to drag you to the finish. I also can’t wrap my head around the cover art concept. It misses the mark for me.

Conclusion: I would imagine in time we will hear more from this amazing band from Philly in the near future. No doubt Prima Donna has carved a marketable niche for themselves locally thus far setting them up for more marketable success down the road internationally. I would not be surprised to hear their music featured in a major Motion Picture or a TV Series, or even on The Warp Tour. But for now I can honestly say this is one artist that clearly gives you a musical snapshot that is highly original, uplifting and dare I say catchy and hooky in unique in it scope.

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/primadonnamusic

REVERBNATION – http://www.reverbnation.com/primadonnamusic

By Michael Rand edited by Drew Blackwell