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The Pryor Theory
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The Pryor Theory
Genre: Electronic, Indie
Region: Melbourne, VIC
Members: Kid Katana - vocals/bass/decks, Martino - drums/samplers
Sounds Like: gotye, gerling, Gorrilaz
Influences: Portishead, The Avalanches, doves

Since winning high rotation airplay via triple j Unearthed in 2006, The Pryor Theory have been receiving accolades for their unique production and blend of styles. Comprising of band members Kid Katana on vocals, turntables, and bass, and Martino Stonecorner on drums and samplers, the duo have become something of an underground Melbourne phenomenon, fusing elements of hip hop production and performance techniques into their lo-fi indie compositions and causing widespread confusion and excitment everywhere they surface.

Their debut album El Futuro (released on iTunes in October 2009) demonstrates The Pryor Theory’s soulful marriage of organic, sample-infused beats with simple, vocal melodics. El Futuro is awash in The Pryor Theory's trademark sound, created as a result of years of experimentation: multi-layered vocal takes over hip-hop style beats, thick bass lines, and eclectic samples creating a rich, cinematic, and original sound. If you aren’t impressed yet, then know that El Futuro was mastered by none other than industry veteran Paul Gomersall (Boy George, Wham! Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and George Michael).

The jazzy number Caught in the Middle was singled out by triple j as a key track from the album. It’s organic groove and jazz elements are accompanied by Kid Katana’s poetic and soulful vocals which gained the duo props from triple j’s Music Director:

“I love this. Very cool, smooth and well produced. The voice is soulful. I've heard other stuff they've done. This is no fluke track. 5/5 stars” - Richard Kingsmill, triple j

“With a name inspired by the late comic genius Richard Pryor and an opening track that samples goofy dialogue from the film Do the Right Thing, the Pryor Theory seem comfortable giving listeners the initial impression that they're playing it for laughs. It turns out the tongue-in-cheek introduction is a red herring - although never in danger of taking itself too seriously, El Futuro is a relatively straight-faced collection of soulful singing over electronic, hip-hop-inspired beats and samples that has echoes of similar stylistic mavericks such as Gotye and The Avalanches. The duo have a gleeful everything-and-the-kitchen-sink approach that sees them veering from Hot Chip-style electro-pop (Sneaker Rat) to joyous sample-fests (Hey There, Luau at Jeromes). 3/5 stars” - James Jennings, Rolling Stone

By no means novices to the stage, The Pryor Theory have performed hugely popular sets at St Kilda Festival, Peats Ridge Festival, One Movement for Music and the Big Day Out, and supported local greats Muph & Plutonic, DJ Kuya, and Art of War since they formed. These breezy Aussie style mavericks truly have lived up to their growing reputation.

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Played on triple j Caught in the Middle
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Caught in the Middle
rating:  4/5
Nice cruisy jazz drenched number. A smokey bar could almost be bearable with this as the soundtrack....
triplej



Caught in the Middle
rating:  4/5
Good gravy, it's groovy! These guys manage a nice organic sound and the vocals really tie the room together. I have no idea if they're actually singi...
triplej



Caught in the Middle
rating:  4/5
Cruisey track with a great flow... nice vocals, really great melody. Good work guys.
triplej



Caught in the Middle
rating:  5/5
I love this. Very cool, smooth and well produced. The voice is soulful. I've heard other stuff they've done. This is no fluke track.
triplej


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This project is supported by the Australia Council, the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body, through its Music Board Section.