PROM QUEEN
Seattle-based Prom Queen have been one of the Northwest’s best new groups, since the warm reception of their 2012 album Night Sound eventually earned them a chance to open for legendary ‘80s goth band Echo and the Bunnymen in Seattle this past August. The group has fittingly self-described their sound on their Bandcamp profile as a “cinematic ‘60s rock band.” Frontwoman Leeni Ramadan melds Cocteau Twins styled dream-pop with Nancy Sinatra-esque crooning and orchestral cocktail, creating a wholly original sound that stands up impressively against the likes of Lana Del Rey and Beach House. Ramadan is backed by guitarists Jason Goessl and Ben Von Wildenhaus, and drummer Tom Meyers.
This past October, Prom Queen released their third full length album entitled Midnight Veil. Easily the group’s best work to date, the album finds them increasingly confident in their unique formula. Highlights include “Daddy’s Got a Big Bad Gun,” which sounds like a Connery-era Bond theme; the song is an astonishingly authentic piece of lusty ‘60s exotica, with crisp surf guitars, and ethereal strings performed by Ramadan herself. Prom Queen also delve into Mazzy Star meets the Shangri-las guitar pop, on the album’s other stand-out track “Out Of My Mind,” with cosmic synths bubbling away, and a wonderful Lesley Gore-ish vocal from Ramadan. Prom Queen’s fearlessness in tackling what has been deemed the “campier” parts of ‘60s lounge is what separates them from the pack of countless imitators, and this is the bands greatest strength.
Check out Prom Queen on Bandcamp, and look for their upcoming performance at the Doug Fir on January 23. The future looks bright for this Seattle band, and 2015 should prove to be a big year for Prom Queen. »
– Casey Hardmeyer
