Prosser
(Clickpop Records)
Reviewed by Vivian Hua
Tagged 2007 clickpop records prosser
Those who are familiar with the Bellingham, WA scene may be familiar with Eric Woodruff's former musical project, Delay. He has now moved on with his debut self-titled album,
Prosser, which is chock full of mellow indie rock with a very humble, homegrown feel.
The initial version of the album was born with Eric Woodruff playing nearly every instrument himself and recording song ideas in his basement. From there, he was signed to Clickpop Records, and a new version was underway. Although most of the original guitar, string, and vocal work was kept intact, drum tracks were rerecorded and studio techniques were implemented to the previous self-recorded demos.
The result is a collection of songs that could very well be on the CD of your next huge corny pop rock band, but the aforementioned homegrown feel goes a long way in propelling the album into being much more than it was before. The medium between lo-fi charm and highly polished studio recordings is basically perfected here, and the result is a good one that both indie rock snobs and music novices can enjoy. Had the album been more polished, I can honestly say I don't think I would like it as much as I do; the subtle nuances make a large difference in the overall picture.
Most of the songs on this album utilize carefully-placed, multi-layer guitar work as a staple. These melodies create a soundscape on which to dreamily draw listeners in, and it works.
Prosser is a solid debut album for the band, and Eric Woodruff's ability to seamlessly blend folk, country, and psychedelic influences to create modern indie rock is something to be watched. While the album may not be the most original release ever to graze the Pacific Northwest's grasses, Woodruff is no copycat. No single influences come to mind at the bat of an eye, and that is a good sign, especially in the world of indie rock.
what do you think?
PURCHASE