PrimeSTH
by Keavin Wiggins 
& antiGUY

Five Star: A look at albums that are so good that they impress even the most cynical of critics. Very few albums are superior enough to obtain a five star rating but occasionally a band slips through the river of mediocrity that is the modern music industry and they produce an album that restores our faith in the future of rock! This series is a look at such albums. 

Let's face it--5 star albums don't come out every month! So from time to time we will take a look back and revisit some of the five star albums of the past that you may have missed the first time around. This month we take a look at the album that landed our "Album of the Year" honors in 2001, "Underneath the Surface" from PrimeSTH.  Some who have actually heard the album have gone as far as calling it "a perfect album" and that's not far off the mark. This is an incredible collection of songs from a phenomenal band. Sadly, their American label--Giant Records--really dropped the ball with this one. This album contained potential hit after hit but the label just didn't have the muscle to get this band noticed. 

PrimeSTH are back at it again, they are free from their deal with Giant and are looking to find a new label that will give them the push that they deserve. It's an opportune time to repost this review since the band will be in the US this spring showcasing for various labels. Let's hope that someone is smart enough to sign these guys up and then make them the stars they deserve to be! We hope to catch up with them at one of their US shows for a new special feature but until then you can still pick up a copy of "Underneath The Surface" to see what all the fuss is about. A link to purchase the CD online follows the review (just check out the fan reviews posted at the store and see that it isn't just us that love this band). 

Note: I originally gave this CD a 4 1/2 star rating but I'm still playing it two years later and I have only grown more fond of it, it now carries the 5 star rating it originally deserved! -aG

Wondering where the new hotbed of rock is? You might be surprised when I say that it’s Sweden! That’s right-Sweden-the land of ABBA and Ace of Base. 2001 has given us a few exceptional rockin’ exports from that mysterious land of blond bombshells and great beer. On the heavier side of the spectrum we got two exceptional releases from Opeth and Lost Horizon, now on the alternative rock side we have a great new disc from Prime STH. 

PrimeSTH are the latest Swedish rock export to hit the U.S. shores. They come courtesy of Giant Records/Reprise and after listening to their U.S. debut it becomes quickly apparent how they attracted the attention of U.S. record labels. They have that melodic modern rock sound that put Bush on the map but they also delve into other areas like Industrial and straight ahead rock. 

The disc captured my attention and respect from the first moment. The guitar work on the opening track “Underneath The Surface” has a catchy groove that should endear the band to modern rock radio. What’s more impressive are the vocals; PrimeSTH’s lead singer Noa has a great modern rock sound that delivers power without having to resort to screaming. You only have to listen to the first three tracks to get hooked. The chorus to “I Don’t Envy You” is down right infectious. With the next track, “I’m Stupid” they take things down a notch and show that they are just as comfortable performing a ballad as the full out rockers. What can I say? The songs are hits without even trying to be. PrimeSTH may finally make amends to the world for those other Swedish exports ABBA and Ace of Base. 
 
 

• Listen to samples and Purchase this CD online

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