Review: Prints - Just Thoughts

Label: Temporary Residence Limited

Released: August 5, 2008

I hear enough Prince on Just Thoughts to make me wonder if Prints is really a clever play on the Purple One's name. Either way, the four tracks on this EP show both similarities and key differences between Prints and Prince.

Prints does manage to find a similar ability to find solid hooks in their synth-laden music just as Prince did, particularly in the 1999 era. These are catchy songs that don't let go easily despite an overall coldness that plagues them. Even on the organic indie pop of "Fire Days," the measured approach has more in common with engineering than creativity. And therein lies the fundamental difference between Prints and Prince (or any other truly great pop songwriter): They think it more than feel it. Where 1999 had deep funk roots that warmed up its cold, processed instrumentation, Just Thoughts lacks a similar heat source.

The songs on Just Thoughts are catchy and memorable, but not always moving because they just come off too cold. So, Prints is halfway there. They have the songs, now they just need to infuse them with life.

Ratings
Satriani: 7/10
Zappa: 6/10
Dylan: 7/10
Aretha: 4/10
Overall: 5/10

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