Prick |Interscope, 1995|

1. Communiqué, 2. Riverhead, 3. Tough, 4. Other People, 5. No Fair Fights, 6. Animal, 7. I Got It Bad, 8. Apologise, 9. Crack, 10. Makebelieve

Prick is the one-man project by Kevin McMahon, fellow friend of Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor. Back in the 1980s when synthpop was the big thing, McMahon and Reznor attempted to capitalize on that genre, but failed. Skip to the 1990s, and synthpop is no longer in the scene; however, industrial rock is. That's when Kevin McMahon decided to reappear with his industrial rock project titled Prick.

The opening track, "Communiqué," immediately introduces the listener to McMahon's interesting vocal style. Influenced heavily by 1980s new wave and synthpop acts, it may take time for the listener to get used to his vocals. But the majority of the songs on the album contains a noticeable bass line and guitars that aren't dominating; which, due to McMahon's vocals, is a good thing. All of the elements flow together nicely.

Most of the songs have their own style, however. As previously mentioned, "Communiqué" capitalizes on McMahon's vocal style (it should be noted that "Communiqué" was originally a song by McMahon in one of his 1980s synthpop acts, it's interesting to hear the original and then this). "Other People" gives off a nod to the raw 1980s goth rock scene. On the flip side though, many of the songs feel unstructured and out of place. "Other People," for example, will jump around from a slow guitarless vibe to an angry guitar-driven vibe. It just doesn't work out.

"No Fair Fights" initially shows McMahon's side with just a piano and his vocals. Even though his voice takes time getting used to, the song pulls off well. He doesn't sound rushed or out of place on the track. Although it's mostly slow, the end of the song picks up the pace, and introduces the next (and best) track, "Animal."

"Animal" is the lead single off the album, and I can see why. McMahon's interesting vocal style, perfect bass lines, and angry guitars explode to create a superb song. Various industrial elements also help the song slide across the speakers. Nothing seems rushed throughout the track. "Crack" also is very similar in structure, and is worth mentioning.

Prick's self-titled debut is a warm welcome to the industrial rock scene. McMahon's voice isn't similar to any other industrial artist, but it takes time getting used to. The other elements help that cause. (Xenerki)

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