Prkr (pronounced Parker) is the solo project of Parker Hill, front man of the Seattle-based industrial rock group Sun Vow. Part folk, part electronica, Prkr is like nothing you’ve heard before. In the age of the single, this is one album that begs to be listened to in order. Although the songs are impressive on their own, the album is best appreciated as a whole; it has an almost literary quality, as if Hill desired that his album be “read.”
The Ghost Year has a coherent and consistent mood. As Hill juxtaposes more traditional folk material with short, entirely electronic pieces, the tracks are far from identical; even songs that begin with standard folk instrumentation and vocals often conclude with a mixture of acoustic guitar, electronica and sampling. What results is pure genius, truly a work of art. This is some of the most innovative, interesting music I have heard in a really long time.
The title track perfectly encapsulates the entire album. Over six minutes in length, it begins with almost poppy vocals and acoustic instrumentation. Midway through, electronic components are introduced, culminating with Hill’s chanting voice cut over samples of birds chirping and human voices. It is a mesmerizing track. While listening, I was so engrossed that I failed to notice the phone ringing loudly only a few inches away from me.
A more traditional folk song, “Blue Horizons” gave me chills the first time I heard it. It is such a powerful, beautiful song that I listened to it again and again. The opening sounds almost reminiscent of early Neil Young.
“Out My Window” is beautiful and imaginative. Hill’s deep, pleasant vocals are layered on top of electronic music and sampled material. With a flair for the dramatic, most of the songs end with a bang.
The instrumental tracks are equally as captivating as those with vocals. I particularly like “Decaying,” and “If You Go Down to the Water.” The sounds are intense and hypnotic.
It pains me that although this is one of the most fascinating albums I have heard in ages, very few people will even know of its existence. I sincerely hope that Prkr gets picked up by a bigger label with a larger distribution so more people can enjoy this album as I have.
I know that this review did not do justice to The Ghost Year. All I can say is get your hands on a copy and see for yourself.
