Live Review: PROM 'Keeping Company' EP

16 October 2014 | 2:40 pm | Cheryl Billman
Originally Appeared In

Those who’ve already enjoyed Brooklyn duo PROM’s ethereal, resonant pop landscapes can rejoice: their debut EP, ‘Keeping Company’, is out. Listen now.

820715_159532107532035_306378901_o

Those who’ve already had a taste of Brooklyn duo PROM’s ethereal, resonant pop landscapes and liked it can rejoice: their debut five-song EP, ‘Keeping Company’, is out now on Crazy Heart Records

It opens with ‘My Line’, an emotive, anthemic track with sweet vocals that sweep over explosive drum machines and impactful synth, before swiftly moving through a spectrum of pop confections both pensive and upbeat.

Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter

Both powerhouse vocalists behind PROM – Ella Zoller and Gabriel Stanley – take turns leading but the true moments where the act is able to shine occur when their voices work together. These two vocalists coexist beautifully on tracks, creating interesting, dynamic harmonies that are dimensional and invasive. This isn’t background noise; this is persuasive indie electro-pop that demands to be heard.

This is best demonstrated on ‘Stanhope’, probably the best example of Zoller and Stanley’s voices lending dimension to a track. This is only complimented by letting some surprisingly smutty elements show through, with grimy production choices that emphasize the sweetness of the tracks that precede and follow it. It’s a complete departure from tracks like ‘Flickers’ and ‘Switch On’: overwhelming, decadent pop tracks that were shared earlier this month as a hint of what was to come.

Keeping Company’, the title track, neatly rounds out the collection of romantic pop goodness with shuffling, airy composition. It’s a warm, absorbent, bubbly track that envelopes the senses.

Ultimately, this is an EP that’s all killer, no filler. We were challenged to find a low point and, more importantly, we didn’t care to. We were too busy thoroughly enjoying every moment of it. More than anything, this release neatly summarises why the duo’s received high praise from industry insiders, alongside comparison to acts like M83; ‘Keeping Company’ is a great demonstration of PROM’s diversity, with each track distinct in tone and construction.

Purchase the release now via iTunes.

Words by Cheryl Billman

SEE ALSO: