Presley

Self-titled CD

Self-released

Genres: noise rock, indie rock

Jan 12 - 18 2004

Presley is largely the work of songwriter Christian Campagna, who specializes in gritty, often angular indie rock tunes that are frequently loud and messy, but still pleasantly melodic.  Campagna also isn't afraid of getting his feet wet in the instrumental side of things; "RC-P90," one of the album's best tracks, is without vocals.

This self-titled album is not a revelation or anything, but as far as standard indie rock goes, it's pretty solid.  Combining the gritty noisiness of Archers of Loaf and Sebadoh with a more accessible melodic sensibility like that of Pavement, that dog., and even some emo bands (the song "Jennifer Lopez"), Presley's songs are emotional, energetic romps that don't really say much but simply bask in their own crunchy melodies.  If you're up for straightforward, noisy rock music, you may want to give this self-titled album a try.

80%

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 10 tracks, distributed by the label, released 2003]