H R H - R E V I E W S

Prowler Inc.
Pay the Fiddler Man in Black Music

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer

Comments: There are a shitload of bands out there that you’ll probably never hear, and aren’t better off for it. While that observation may also work the exact opposite way, a band out of Oregon called Prowler Inc. IS one of those bands you’ll probably never here but should … but you can remedy that after reading this review.

Prowler Inc. is an ’80s style metal band — think Bay Area era — with thrash tendencies. They also seem to have a sense of humor and a disregard for normality. They don’t go that far, but the weirdness of a band like Faith No More pops up in their compositions as well.

Their new EP, called Pay the Fiddler, is a 6-song foray into old school metal, with none of the pissy attitude you find in new music. Take, for instance, the second track, “Marching on Your Head.” It sounds like Metallica at times, vocally, but also Persistence of Time-era Anthrax musically. Basically, it’s heavy, with all the riffs you could ever want, and a shout along chorus. In other words … fun with fun.

“Pay the Fiddler” starts off with the sound of a cash register, and gets into a solo intro, before drummer/vocalist Brad Kubik joins in. The sound is sort of muddy and simple, but that matches exactly what the song calls for. This isn’t Kubik’s best vocal moment, but musically, their strongest track.

Now, for guys obviously older than 21 years old to write a song called “Minor in Possession” is just damn funny. This song is more funky, something similar to really hard Rainbow song, maybe … just a cool groove. Kubik talks throughout the song, and guitarists Al Rhay and Don McBee sound their most expert here.

They end things with “Killer By Night,” and you’ll hear footsteps and heavy breathing to start things off. Kubik’s voice starts off with, “Excuse me ma’am … my that’s a wonderful fragrance you have on,” while the guitars go nutso. This is another heavy riffing song, bass heavy too, allowing Ed Jensen to shine. Lots of evil laughing and guitar solos are prevalent as well. The drum has an odd sound on this song, though.

All in all, it’d be cool to hear a full album from these guys, but this is a good start. So try something you’d probably never have a chance to hear, and buy Pay the Fiddler.

You can pick up this bad boy at Man in Black Music.

Track listing: Mountains of Madness - Marching on your Head - Pay The Fiddler - MIP - Mortis - Killer by Night

Label Link: www.maninblackmusic.com

HRH Rating: 7/10

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