Review of Selah PR June 12, 2005 Ash Street Saloon in Portland, OR
This event was nothing like I expected it to be. My first clue was probably that it took me half an hour to park and I had to walk six blocks, see this is what happens when you have a free event where all the lead singers from various popular Portland bands beat the crap out of each other to win an opening slot at Rockfest X. Everybody comes.
On this particularly pleasant June evening, I wasn’t sure what kind of
music to expect from a band called Selah PR who was playing the Ash Street
Saloon on a Sunday. I kept my expectations low, in hopes of not being
disappointed. I was genuinely surprised however at the talent behind the
name. Selah PR is a four piece band that includes a lead singer,
guitarist, bassist, and drummer (although each band member contributes
vocally).
These guys drew me in to their music immediately with their high energy
metal/punk sound. Strong riffs with original hooks made it easy for me to
connect with their songs. At times, the riffs were unrelenting, hardcore,
but would then drop down with well-timed dynamics that resulted in a cool
bass or guitar line. The last song in particular contained an extremely
sexy guitar riff, which was not something I am used to hearing from a
punk/metal band.
The lead singer had great stage presence, jumping and moving to the
music
but all the while staying right on pitch. I was also very impressed with
the drummer who played some intricate parts and was right on target with
each hit. As a whole, the band had a good vibe and were equally talented –
a tight force to reckon with. The comraderie between the band mates was
obvious and enjoyable to watch from the audience.
If I had one criticism of the band it was that they didn’t say their
band
name. I strongly suggest to any band they state the name at least three
times during a set. I would highly recommend this band to anyone who is
into this kind of music, and even to some of those who aren’t!
