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I’m working hard to fight back the pretentious rock snob that grows within me daily. I really am. Upon first listen this band immediately set off my “ugh… screamo” alarm and started a quite negative review in my head. I think that alarm may be getting too sensitive though, because few listens later there’s a lot that I like here. Out of my earlier mindset, Prosperity Wallet is a pretty solid Chicago three piece that show a lot of promise on their five-song “Electric Noose.”

Musically the band shares many qualities with Michigan’s Small Brown Bike in that they play busy post-hardcore with just enough of rock rooting to keep it buoyant. It’s their ability to throw interesting instrumental flourishes into their songs that gives Prosperity Wallet an edge and kept me, someone with little patience for most things that get stuck with the emo categorization, listening and interested. The opening build up to the lead track is particularly cool. The songs (untitled except for a little sketch beside their track number) are long enough to make this EP seem closer to a full-length album (running at over 20 minutes).

Poor production unfortunately plagues much of the album. The vocals are mixed far too low and lose some of their potential power when competing with the rest of the band. It’s unfortunate since vocalist Mark Baron contributes some great lyrics. However it’s the strong rhythm section and well-executed (and sometimes unconventional) guitar trickery that sets Prosperity Wallet apart from their ever-numerous contemporaries. You’ll hear from these guys again…






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    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 19, 2003 at 11:59 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    this band has a promising future. it's an ep. it's their first release. it's still leaps and bounds ahead of the swirl-o'-shit touring the nation right now. be realistic... shirk the dirt... get ready for the next release. i'm sure you won't be disappointed.

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, January 23, 2003 at 4:54 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    This album actually is pretty good, on the grey flight web page you can get a newer PW song which makes me wonder when the new album will come out. I guess its time to give zach a call to find out.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 20, 2003 at 6:12 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    i do the weezer website as well.
    karl does the main content stuff and i do a lot of design work, etc under his direction.

    and grant does too deserve me :P

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 20, 2003 at 1:00 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    I don't knwo about the weezer website. karl pretty much runs that place.

    Posted by fallingtopieces on 2003-01-20 02:17:01
    My Score:

    if im not mistaken she also does the weezer website. not really sure im adding this, guess i have a lot of time on my hands as of late . . . .

    Posted by sloppyblake on 2003-01-20 01:42:39
    My Score:

    shes cute. grant doesn't deserve her. =x

    Posted by Sticky_Floor on 2003-01-19 16:23:37
    My Score:

    just a little side note, Grey FLight records is run by Julie, who also does webdesign for such sites clientel as Asian Man Records and Alkaline Trio.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 19, 2003 at 1:54 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    no it is good i promise :( :( :(

    haha

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 9:54 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    I'm definitely not gonna buy this. If you guys like this, it means I wont. This place is the opposite of punk.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 2:39 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    The split with The Ghost really does show more how the Prosperity Wallet rule. The Ghost tracks are amazing, as well. Maybe it's the deep bass and soft hum of vinyl...

    Posted by sloppyblake on 2003-01-18 14:21:01
    My Score:

    julie. you rock.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 1:41 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    these guys rock man!

    Posted by fallingtopieces on 2003-01-18 01:01:56
    My Score:

    This ep rules. While i agree that the production isnt the best, however it almost fits their style. Anyways, i thought this was a ver good, solid release by these guys. The tracks that they have on the split with the ghost are impressive but didnt leave as big of a mark as the songs on this ep did. Regardless, get both releases cuz they rooooooool

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 17, 2003 at 9:34 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    "I’m working heard to fight back the pretentious rock snob that grows within me daily. I really am."
    Haha. I know what you mean...when there's so many "new" bands out there that all sound pretty similar, it's easy to write them off. I'm glad you still have the "pretentious rock snob" under control, unlike all the fashion core kids around here.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, January 17, 2003 at 7:58 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    yes, 300 on white vinyl, 700 on black. The Ghost / Prosperity Wallet. Grey Flight Records. we only have about 5 white left though, um, so if you want one you better hurry :)
    (julie@grey flight)

    Posted by Scotty on 2003-01-17 18:43:14
    My Score:

    I believe they did a split with The Ghost recently. Vinyl only, and limited edition. I probably should have picked that up.

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