*. Pinnick Gales Pridgen .*

Album: Pinnick Gales Pridgen (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Heavy Rock/Fusion/Blues)  /  USA

Already being touted as a super group by some is the trio of Dug Pinnick (King's X), Eric Gales (Lauryn Hill, solo), and Thomas Pridgen (ex-Mars Volta). And they might be right. Certainly their talent and experience speaks to the potential of some superb music within this package. To get a hint of what that might be, you might investigate their cover of Sunshine of Your Love, by another legendary, some say one of the first, 'super groups,' Cream. That band's texture was a mixture of then current styles, including blues, rock, pyschedelia, among others in a fusion of sound. Add a little funk and soul to PGP and you'll get most of what you hear on this debut album. What's curious about this collaboration is, that despite the impressive individual musicianship, where both ego and talent could trump all things, PGP plays as a band. Conversely, all three players and their instruments (with Pinnick that would be two, voice and bass) seem to be playing lead parts. That's saying much since lead guitar often leaps above others in a band, and Gales is disturbingly creative here. Only the affirmed and confident ability of musicians of the same caliber make PGP work as one. (But if you still love exceptional guitar work, you need to get this album.) The next thing to do is simply listen. Those aforementioned mixture of styles permeate this album, but fundamentally PGP are a rock band. Expect arrangements of big riffs, melodies, and hooks, driven by Pinnick and Pridgen's sturdy rhythm section, set on fire by Gales' fret work, and wrapped in that indefinable characteristic we call soul. Top picks: for blasting heavy rock, Lascivious; for something quirky, The Greatest Love; for bit of funk in your groove, Hang On Big Brother; and for expansive blues rock fusion, the longer Been So High (The Only Place to Go Is Down). Ultimately, Pinnick Gales Pridgen is a groovy trip into some melodic heavy rock fusion, and quite recommended. Spin it several times to let it get under your skin. Review by "Craig Hartranft" (www.dangerdog.com).

RATING:  8.25 / 10   **GREAT**

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