Late to the game, I learned about The Prizefighters in 2019. Their latest album Firewalk just came out and I was hooked after just one listen. When it was all said and done, that album was in my top three albums of that year. They have that throwback traditional ska, rocksteady, soul fusion sound to their music that just makes you want to dance with your partner all night long. Honestly, if you closed your eyes and just listened to the music, you’d be transported back to the Jamaican Dancehalls of the ’60s.
Firewalk is the perfect album. It’s one you can put on and just relax to. It’s also one that has the ability to demand your attention. In one moment, you’ll be listening to a chill instrumental, and then right after, listing to a song about racism and police brutality. While Firewalk has one foot firmly planted in the analog era, its other is planted in modern times, and calling us to action. There are just so many layers to it.
I was really looking forward to the band touring through Michigan on more than one occasion in 2020 given their proximity to the Mitten State, but Coronavirus had different plans. Like a seasoned boxer, The Prizefighters took their lumps and refocused on how to make lemonade out of lemons though. They released some singles, including an amazing cover of the theme song from The Mandalorian, and did everything they could to stay active.
The Prizefighters Take Three
Last month, the band started working on something a little different. They took up a virtual residency at the Future Condo Recording Studio in Minneapolis. Armed with a full production and recording crew, the six piece recorded themselves live playing their hits. The fruits of their labor begin showing up today on their YouTube and Facebook pages. Honestly, in terms of quality, this Prizefighters set is up there with recorded Motown sessions from back in the day. It’s that good.
This isn’t just a one and done video. The band will be releasing more mini sets from their residency on Fridays. Coincidentally, their first installment contains my three favorite songs from Firewalk, so kudos to the band for reading my mind on that one!
To check out their live studio renditions on “Just Let the Music Play”, “You’ll Never Know”, and ” Temper Running Hot”, check out the link below. You won’t regret it. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the band’s YouTube page so you don’t miss out on future installments. There’s a decade of material for them to choose from, so it’ll be interesting to see what’s next! Since the series is called “Take Threes”, I’m willing to bet an additional three amazing live performances.
