Courteous power pop.
Well-mannered rock 'n' roll.
This is the modus operandi of the Prime Ministers.
Todd Wicks sings and plays the guitar. He is the very tall one with the sideburns. Ned Coho has the wavy hair and the low-slung bass. If you've ever seen them play, he's usually the one getting his guitar cord dangerously tangled onstage. Guitarist Brandon Malik alternately stings with his solos and soothes with his reassuring vocals. Meanwhile, drummer Ron Vensko's mild temprament is belied by the sheer volume he produces behind his kit.
Since their proper beginnings in 1999, the Prime Ministers have slowly established their preferred operating procedure, with minimal work stoppages and lineup shuffles along the way:
• When time allows, write no-frills, instantly hummable power-pop tunes
• Bring these to weekly rehearsal in the suburbs of Detroit and teach them to the other band members
• Work up an arrangement with pleasantly rough guitars and practice until everyone's had enough
• Sprinkle these new songs in setlists at semi-regular shows downtown (positive audience response desired but not necessary)
• Repeat for two years
• When a satisfactory clutch of songs has accumulated and money saved up from shows allows, head for the nearest studio and hit "Record"
The Ministers' painstakingly slow methods have yielded no great financial reward, sold-out venues, or legions of teenage fans. However, it has been…what's the scientific term? Lots of fun. Thanks for listening.
The Prime Ministers' first release, 'THE LAST DAYS OF THE PRIME MINISTERS,' was recorded with Rich Cherwalk at Premier Sound in Farmington Hills, Michigan. It contains 7 original songs, including "The Saturn 7 Rock Hour (C'mon Commander)" and "Make Me Your Mission."
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