King of Prussia - Save the Scene

Despite their name, King of Prussia are from neither northern Germany nor suburban Philadelphia. They also aren't kin to Wilson of Gamehendge fame. They are, rather, products of the amazing musical hotbed that is Athens. Fans of the Elephant 6 collective may have caught wind of the band recently when some its members played an R.E.M. tribute show alongside some e6 stalwarts.

The band has just released its debut album, Save the Scene, and after listening to it a handful of times I suggest that C&T's readers check it out as well. While it is only 7 tracks long, it is interesting throughout and a nice first taste of the band. One cool aspect of it, to my ears anyway, is that it feels as if it is constructed in three segments -- a trio of pop songs, a transition track incorporating country elements, and a closing movement of more introspective and subdued material. While that may not seem to be recipe for a cohesive release, it really does work. If nothing else, it showcases the variety of directions King of Prussia is capable of going with satisfying results. It's my first exposure to the band, and I'm enthused.

Whimsical romp "Spain the Summertime" sounds at times like it could have been plucked from a classic jangle-pop album by an act like The Turtles or Herman's Hermits. "Misadventures of the Campaign Kids" and "Shades of Hippiedom" are, on the other hand, decidedly in the mold of modern indie pop though clearly influenced by the band's predecessors. "Misadventures..." also name-drops Tony Danza, which has got to be worth something.

Other tracks ("Cheerleaders" and "Terrarium") have an Americana flair, incorporating slide guitar and banjo, while "The Doctor and the Mathematicians" and "Phyzics Never Understood" feature piano and are more sullen in both lyrical content and tone. Here are two tracks from King of Prussia's Save the Scene:

King of Prussia - Misadventures of the Campaign Kids
King of Prussia - Terrarium

The band has just made the album available to order via their MySpace page, where you can pick it up for $8. You can find their tourdates there as well, including a February 21 date at the Caledonia Lounge in Athens. I'm told the band is also shopping for a label to do a wider release of Save the Scene, so if you can hook 'em up please do drop them a line.