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The Provocative Whites



Last Updated: 12/5/2009

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Status: Single
City: TUCSON
State: ARIZONA
Monday, May 25, 2009 
By Michael Haley

The Provocative Whites, on its second CD Evolym, is a band to be respected for its hybridization within the rock genre. The nine-song album combines elements of 70s Punk, 90s Indie Rock, and 60s Rock (Kinks-style). The record is a marble index of engaging musical dexterity.

The Provocative Whites are not self-conscious, and the band meshes. The music is unstilted. Featured on the record is a smashing, thriving, and driving drumbeat, as well as a crescendo of sassy guitar riffs. This uplifting instrumental combination works particularly well when the band emphasizes a seminal line in a song. Additionally, The Provocative Whites makes smooth and fine use of change-ups in rhythm on Evolym, an asset for the band, a present for the listener.

What the band could make better use of is vocal clarity and vocal swagger. Their plain-spoken lyrics such as "Could you live a happy life knowing what's in store for you?" on the tune "All of This," are too often chopped and garbled, overshadowed by the band's very competent instrumentation. A classic disc like X-Ray Spex's Germ Free Adolescents is a prototype of vocal sonority and clarity, actually sensational in its dagger-like punctuation that way.

When lead singer Mike Rowden is in clear and powerful voice, as demonstrated on the cut "Radio Friendly," the group's taut tunes reach a high level.

"Radio Friendly" is top notch as it deftly climaxes over and over. "I wanna, I wanna, I wanna tell you what I mean, tell you what you mean to me...but instead I'm going to keep this radio friendly," this enthralling song declares unabashedly.

There is plenty of craftsmanship and resourcefulness on Evolym. It will be interesting to watch The Provocative Whites' evolution as the band rounds its vocal edges and refines its signature sensibility.
8:04 AM
 
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