Artist: Primitive Reason
Album: "Alternative Prison"
Label: Uniao Lisboa
Rating: **** (out of 5)

A while back, I reviewed an interesting compilation CD from the Portuguese Uniao Lisboa
record label. I was recently fortunate enough to come into possession of some of the full-
length CDs from the bands on that compilation. I've been having fun listening to the discs.
There's some great stuff there. My favorite so far is "Alternative Prison" from Primitive Reason,
a band hailing from Cascais, Portugal.

This is simply such fresh and varied music that it just can't miss. The most consistent sound on
the recording is a kind of eclectic ska rhythm, with a bent and upbeat approach that is reminiscent
of Perfect Thyroid. But Primitive Reason isn't really a ska band. The upbeat stuff can take a sudden
turn at any moment and tilt off into reggae, thrash, metal, jazz, rap or hardcore -- and then zig-zag
into sax-heavy, laid back muzak -- and then into some more ska. Think about The Specials crossed
with Soundgarden, having a party with 3 Mustaphas 3 and Perfect Thyroid, while playing dozens with
the Beastie Boys. Stir and repeat frequently, and you have something approaching the Primitive Reason
approach to rock'n'roll.

I'm particularly enamored of the sound that their saxophone player, Mark Cain, manages to achieve,
the most truly bent sound that I've heard since the demise of the Hudson Valley's Worm Wood.
Lead guitarist Mikas also demonstrates some tasty jazz chops, as well as some slamming rock licks.
The versatility of all the band members (there are five) are without question, and they are apt to
prove their range on almost every song.

Their lyrics are socially conscious, if a tad bleak -- but always delivered with energy and style,
jumping in and out of song and rap the whole time.

I suspect that anything on the Uniao Lisboa label will be difficult to find in local record stores.
You might have to find a store that specializes in imports, and special order it. It's worth the effort,
though. This is a chance to learn about some new and exciting music that's originating outside of the
American music industry.

Paradigm Shift