Los Angeles , CA , US It’s 2008—do you know where your rock ‘n’ roll is? Rock as of late has been so cross-filtered with other genres and otherwise watered down, one wonders if we’ll ever hear some accidental feedback or a spontaneous ‘yeeoww’ erupting from PA speakers ever again. Just when you think it’s hopeless, that’s usually when someone pops up and, at least for a time, seems to get it right. The Hives, the Horrors, Hellacopters, TurboNegro, Supersuckers, The Hangmen are all examples of bands that played lean, true, electrified rock music at a time when that notion seemed forgotten. In 2008, we definitely need to add Prima Donna to the top of the list. A five-man high-energy machine, Prima Donna have only been on the scene for three years, yet in that time have knocked out over 200 shows, nearly a third of which were overseas. Their live show is a whirlwind of color, energy, bravado, volume, and an avalanche of catchy, sing-along choruses. Clearly inspired by the early punk of groups such as X-Ray Specs, the Damned, and the Sex Pistols as well as ‘70s glitter such as Mott the Hoople and David Bowie, the group’s sharp ‘n’ concise songwriting sidesteps any notions of the group being ‘retro.’ How retro can a group be if their average age is 22? All of this live excitement and excellence caught the eyes and ears of Acetate Records, who in the past have had the good taste to issue music by such artists as The Hangmen, Throw Rag, The Chelsea Smiles and Nine Pound Hammer. Prima Donna’s self titled Acetate debut is a ten-song collection of all-original, driving rock ‘n’ roll. Song’s like “Soul Stripper” and “Dummy Luv” openly defy you to sit still, arranged to cause maximum sonic damage. Combining thick, rhythm guitars with stinging lead lines, the sound is explosive, propelled by ceaseless forward motion, yet never is melody sacrificed. Solos never noodle or shred - whether taken by Kevin on guitar or Aaron on sax or keyboards, they are as soulful and melodic as the songs they support. Up front and center, Kevin proves to be the man of the hour, singing in a strong tenor that is at once sultry and swaggering, clear and unaffected. The group proved to be as at home in the studio as they are on the road. Co-producing the album with Messiaz (Eddie Spaghetti, Neila, Monique Powell, Ladykillers), the band’s pure vision of what rock ‘n’ roll is permeates every track. Muscular riffs, to-the-point lyrics, killer licks, songs that get themselves over with in under three minutes…it ain’t a formula if you’re living it. These guys live it, all year ‘round, on the road, in the studio, in the street.