Prussia

Videos by American Songwriter

Prussia, who hang their hats in Detroit but more accurately call Pontiac, Michigan, home, usually write songs about things you wouldn’t want your kids to hear. On “What Am I Gonna Tell Your Mom?” clickety-clack African rhythms join a old-timey accordion, horn punches, and an overworked bassline. Grating at first, Ryan Spencer’s voice grows on you slowly. Melodically, Prussia is often more feel-good Paul Simon; lyrically, though, it’s debauched poetry. “I bled on you/ Your skinny tits and broken ribs,” tells only part of the story on “Bleeder.” If that sort of thing intrigues you, you’ll no doubt want to hear the song’s story told through a strummy, pop melody and multi-part harmonies. All this and more is contained on Prussia’s new EP, Four For Attention, which should garner them some well-deserved attention beyond their local Detroit scene before their LP is released later this year.