Reviewsic [ri-vyoo-zik] -noun: Music worth talking about

A new coming solo artist, Kevin Andew Prchal (that’s Per-KULL) is no stranger to the music scene. Prchal spent the beginning of his music career spending “some of the best years of his life” playing in the Chicago band The Young Sea.
Prchal branched off on is own and began recording a few “little folk songs” in early 2009, which over the course of eight months turned into the three studio, three producer, friend filled collaboration that is his November 09 release Eat Shirt & Tie. Though no specific concept was in mind when putting the album together, when put on the spot Prchal did say “We could say the concept is something like; “Heartbroken Starbucks Barista Finds Hope & Understanding At The End Of A Very Long and Demanding Shift”. Yeah, we’ll go with that.”
Concept comedy aside, notice has to be taken of the delight that is Eat Shirt & Tie. Nine tracks and at least three derivations of folk music lie within this album, from the subdued, melodic style of Castle and My Mother Prays, to the lighter, more twangy Opyrland Hotel, this collection of songs has consistency without monotony. Songs like Soul Shaker and The Settling Cliches would be well placed in the ranks of the Pop and Country music charts alike.

Prchal has a clear, strong voice that is familiar sounding without being easy to mistake for someone else, a quality that most musicians would kill for, and that he makes the most of in his vocal tracks throughout the album. Our favorite instances of this skill are featured in Terrified, which we also love for its whistle break at 2:17, and Another Fool (In Love With You). The former of these two has the added bonus of a catchy, foot stomping, down-home kind of sound as well as female accompaniment we adore and would place somewhere in the vein of Jenny Owen Youngs.
Lyrically this album is simple, slightly poetic, and right at home in its Folk setting. Prchal himself best describes his songs about love, misunderstanding, and all that comes with it, in his myspace blog as “Heartbreak hum-alongs”.
We honestly had a hard time finding something we didn’t like about this album, but if we were going to be nit-picky it’d be the track Peace Not War, which while good in its own right, and well written (i.e. You stand in your corner, they fight to the death/ While mothers remember and history forgets/Its easy to watch till it knocks on your door/ Sing we want peace not war) just didn’t quite go with the flow that the rest of Eat Shirt & Tie was along. However, we do still like the song, and think you should check it out on it’s own in this performance of Prchal at The Union in Naperville.

Eat Shirt & Tie is available on iTunes and Cd baby

For more music and updates visit:

www.twitter.com/kevinprchal

www.myspace.com/kevinandrewprchal

The wonderful Kevin Andrew Prchal also talked shop with us over the weekend, about musical influences, memories and what lies ahead in 2010.

Reviewsic: Any music resolutions for the New Year?

Kevin Andrew Prchal: Oh gosh, there is just so much I’d like to accomplish this year. I think I’ll start with a new website and end with a mustache and an empty gas tank along a dusty highway somewhere.

eviewsic: What will we see from you in 2010- touring, new music, etc?

K.A.P: Last year was the year for me to create music and this is the year for people to hear it. Like I said before, there is so much I hope to accomplish, it’s just a matter of where to start. I’m so proud of these songs, so I plan on doing whatever it takes to get others to hear it. That’s why interviews like this mean the world to me, so, thank you.

Reviewsic: If we were to hack into your iTunes today, what are some of the names that would be on your “Top 25 most played”?

K.A.P: Here are the current top five:

1. “Fire Escape” - Diane Birch

2. “How Can I Be Sure Of You” - Harry Nilsson

3. “Little Secrets” - Passion Pit

4. “What Would I Do Without You” - Ray Charles

5. “Empire State Of Mind” - Jay-Z

Reviewsic: What is the most memorable show you’ve ever played? Attended?

K.A.P: The most memorable show I ever played was with my old band The Young Sea at the Metro in which we performed “Hallelujah” in honor of a friend who had recently passed away. We were joined by our friend’s brother on the guitar as well as a whole mess other guest vocalists who each contributed a verse. There was such a great energy on stage and in that room. Still gives me chills to think about. Best show I ever attended? The Beatles. Comiskey Park. ’65.

Reviewsic: If you could have one guest musician play a show with you, dead or alive, who would it be?

K.A.P: Joe Strummer. That would be an ugly contrast to witness though. Joe Strummer and Kevin Andrew….who? It would be like watching Superman and Encino Man perform together.

Reviewsic: Who are your top three musical influences?

K.A.P:

1. The Clash

2. Ray Charles

3. Bob Dylan

4. Lou Bega

Tags: Album Review, Interview, Local Music

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