New at PREX: The Great Afternoon & Hair Rocket

by Kerri O'Malley in Album Reviews, In & Around Our Store, Indie Release Highlights, New Releases, Reviews, bands to watch

Hair Rocket's Punishment Cookie and The Great Afternoon's Self-Titled EP

Now on consignment at the Princeton Record Exchange are two exciting new projects from local bands, Hair Rocket and The Great Afternoon.  Hair Rocket, from Lumberville, Pennsylvania, recently released their first full-length album, the upbeat, edgy Punishment Cookie, and Lambertville’s The Great Afternoon just released their first official, and extremely folksy, self-titled EP.

First, let’s start off with Hair Rocket, whose Punishment Cookie is surprisingly rewarding.  Pop-punk in the best possible way, Hair Rocket shoot through their first full-length with a witty, high-energy, yet irreverent sound, playing rough and fast while managing to pull off the polish. From the bouncing rhythm of “Eyes” to the lyrical porn for women (“I can flatter you all night long”) of “In My Brain,” Hair Rocket’s Punishment Cookie delights, pleasing both the ears and the shuffling feet of anyone looking for a good jam.

Comparing themselves to The Pixies, Spoon, and Cheap Trick, Hair Rocket is more than your average garage band, and they’re full of surprises.  Just when you think you’ve got Hair Rocket’s number, the band busts out an unexpected keyboard solo, sax riff, or clap rhythm.  Check out the band’s first official music video off of Punishment Cookie below:

The Great Afternoon’s EP has a much different vibe.  Fronted by gorgeous, dark-haired Christina Ward on vocals and banjo, The Great Afternoon’s seven tracks embody a delicate, folksy air, ruptured at moments by stomach-punching drums and beastly bass beats stalking Ward’s wavering vocals.

Months ago, I got the opportunity to see The Great Afternoon perform live in a small gallery space in Lambertville.  Though the three members were crowded into a noisy room, they managed to take my breath away with their haunting tunes.  The Great Afternoon EP serves as a good introduction to the band and a fantastic release, perfectly capturing Ward’s beautiful vocals, matched by the magnificent drumming of Brian Huggins and hard-hitting bass work of Kris Knechel. Live, Knechel and Huggins shine even more, weaving together a heavy sound that serves as a thick and dark counterpoint to Ward’s high-flying vocals and humming banjo strumming.

With cryptic lyrics, angelic vocals, and an interesting instrumental balance, The Great Afternoon are making truly unique music, practically in our backyard!  Watch a live video of The Great Afternoon below, but keep your eyes out for upcoming shows as well.

Get a first listen to Punishment Cookie and The Great Afternoon EP by clicking on those links, and support local music by picking up your copies at PREX today!