Notes
PCR is a Boston-based band that has woven it's members' influences, and that city's musical history, into a vibrant, exhilarating, and never less-than-surprising new sound. That sound is something of a Rorschach ink-blot test for the listener: some say it reminds them of The Faces or Aerosmith, others cite The Police or Sublime, and there has also been mention of The Clash, Mission of Burma, and Neil Young. By incorporating in their music such diverse elements, PCR satisfies those aiming simply to dance and celebrate, while simultaneously pleasing those partial to more cerebral sonic experimentation and musical adventurousness. PCR offers something for everyone, and audiences consistently agree that it all works very well. The group was founded in 1996 by high school friends James Chiarelli, Drew Fincke, and Jesse Norris with the earliest incarnation of the band rooted in the resurgent wave of punk rock that revitalized the scene in the early and mid-90s. Enthusiastic crowds at local performances routinely witnessed highly energized, even ecstatic, performances. Two demos were recorded in those early years marking the start of the band's obsession with the art of recording and it's many associated technologies and techniques. High school graduation marked a turning point as the three went their separate ways attending colleges in different states, but continuing to play and study music with new friends and stylistically varied groups of musicians. By 2002, all had returned to the Boston area and the time proved right for a reunion and the re-formation of PCR. The four-year hiatus had provided each member with the opportunity to experiment with other musicians and other musical genres. Tom McKnight, a long time friend and associate of the band, began singing and it was a perfect fit. Now a quartet, the band was intent on applying all they had learned during their time off and, as a result, PCR became more balanced, focused, and mature. With it's strong musical and personal bonds reinforced, the next two years saw the band perform over 60 shows throughout the northeast at bars, clubs, and colleges. Original material was road-tested in rollicking sets that also included several unexpected and creatively re-imagined covers from sources as varied as Toots and The Maytals, The Grateful Dead, and Led Zeppelin. PCR's first attempt at recording with the current line-up resulted in an album entitled 'Volume 1,' released in 2004. Self produced and recorded, 'Volume 1' proved to be an invaluable learning experience. It documented the band's first wave of collectively written songs reflecting their love of old-school 70's reggae and dub, their debt to the energy and ethos of punk, and their dedication to artistry and the refinement of their musical talents. The second album, 'Carnivore,' (which was tracked at the band's rehearsal space and mixed and mastered at Wellspring Sound in Acton, MA) was released in June of 2005, marking giant steps in every direction. Simultaneously more laid back and more intense than their first effort, in 'Carnivore' the band has achieved new levels of quality and stylistic breadth in their songwriting, arranging, and performing. A truly distinctive sound has emerged recalling many of their earlier influences melded with several new directions and countless unexpected harmonic, rhythmic, instrumental, and lyrical twists and surprises. Currently, PCR is performing a busy schedule of shows between New York City and Boston and throughout the northeast, writing new material, and continuing the evolution of their music and spirit on the road and in the studio.
