Prince Daddy & The Hyena – ‘I Thought You Didn’t Even Like Leaving’ Review
Posted: by Eli
The debut LP from Prince Daddy & the Hyena is finally here and it’s better than anyone could’ve imagined. The Albany, NY quartet released one of the most addicting releases of 2015 via Broken World Media, the sub-ten-minute Adult Summers EP, and I Thought You Didn’t Even Like Leaving is the fully-fledged follow-up that improves upon every aspect of their sound and showcases just how talented, unique, and exciting this band is.
The group’s sound lands somewhere in the midst of Jeff Rosenstock, Pup and Rozwell Kid, but with more youthful exuberance than stale regret. However, P Daddy are not only inspired by those other respected bands-they can play and write like them too. Not quite of drinking age, Cameron Handford and Kory Gregory are exceptionally talented guitarists who produce solos and leads on this record that are easily comparable to those of the veteran Rosenstock, and the near-30-somethings in Rozwell Kid. During our interview with them, they discussed a Weezer influence and it’s apparent in the well executed songwriting. The rhythm section is also impeccable, but it’s the way the group plays together as a whole that really exhibits their Pup-like chemistry.
Songs like the fittingly-titled “Pop Song,” “I Wish I Could Ctrl+Alt+Del My Life” and “I Forgot To Take My Meds Today” are instantly memorable and destined to be shouted back in a sweaty dive bar. However, “Clever Girl” (A+ Jurassic Park reference) is the album’s highlight, with its snarky opening line, “I wish I was as tough as you dude / I would be so cool” and the shreddy bridge that crescendos, then bursts into the most momentous part of the album: the yelling of, “I’ve got a problem with you and your friends / I fucking hate you since you met all of them.” It’s the most climatic moment of any song I’ve heard all year and it gives me an adrenaline rush that never fails to incite an impromptu sing-along.
There are so many young bands out there right now that have one or two elements to their sound that make them stand out. Perhaps they’re really talented instrumentally but can’t put together a memorable song. Or maybe they have the enduring melodies but it becomes tiresome and played-out after an entire record. As straightforward and repetitive as it sounds, Prince Daddy & the Hyena have it all. Once this record reaches the right ears, this band is going places. You can preorder the album now on vinyl or tape on Broken World’s store.
