Album Review: Millions by Primes (2013)
Primes’ Millions is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2013 under their own label, it’s a raw, unfiltered slice of post-punk and punk rock goodness straight outta the US. With its gritty production and sharp songwriting, this record feels like a late-night drive through neon-lit streets—equal parts thrilling and introspective.
The album kicks off with "The Moon," and honestly, it sets the tone perfectly. The track starts with a brooding bassline that feels like it's crawling under your skin, then explodes into angular guitar riffs and punchy vocals. It’s got this restless energy to it, like you’re chasing something you can’t quite catch. I remember this track because it hooks you immediately but keeps you guessing until the last note. There’s no over-polished sheen here; just pure, untamed rock.
Another standout is “Hot Blood.” If “The Moon” is about tension, “Hot Blood” is all about release. The urgency in the drumming and jagged guitars makes it impossible not to move. Lyrically, it’s cryptic enough to let your imagination run wild, yet grounded enough to feel personal. This one sticks with me because it’s the kind of song that could soundtrack both a chaotic house party or a solitary moment of rebellion against… well, whatever’s bogging you down.
Credit where it’s due—the team behind the scenes nailed it. Jackie Bodley’s artwork fits the moody vibe perfectly, while Matt Engstrom’s mastering and mixing give the album a cohesive edge without losing its DIY charm. Doreen Dardashtian’s photography adds another layer of grit, and Ian Bjornstad’s recording work ensures every raw vocal snarl and guitar scrape hits hard.
What’s wild about Millions is how it balances chaos and control. Tracks like “Elevators” and “Something Bad” show off Primes’ knack for crafting songs that are as melodic as they are abrasive. And yeah, sure, there are moments when the lo-fi production might make purists squint, but honestly? That’s part of the charm.
In the end, Millions isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s just spinning it faster and harder than most. Listening to it feels like rediscovering an old favorite band you never knew existed. Who’d have thought a self-released punk/post-punk hybrid from 2013 would still hit so damn hard today? Maybe Primes knew something we didn’t. Or maybe they were just having too much fun to care. Either way, it works.
