Prisoner. Prisoner

There is no limit to the number of bands that are influenced by music from the past and do their utmost to sound just like the bands from the past, with a quality of recording equipment those past bands could not even dream of in their wildest. French punk, garage and what not outfit Prisoner is no exception.

The question is what does Prisoner want to be, because there is a plethora of influences that shine through in the Mulhouse and Bordeaux based band. Songs have the attack of punk, the wildness of garage rock, the psychedelics of the 60s, the weird frivolousness of 1960s movie soundtracks and even a more out there version of the strangest music the makers of 'Star Trek', as in the original series, could imagine for a party on board of the "Starship Enterprise" on star date whatever. Listen to 'Borné Pour Obéir', I can't point you to the right episode of 'Star Trek' though. I suggest to copy/paste it over there in 2026. It all comes together on 'Prisoner' and it works.

The fact that most songs are in French makes it hard if not impossible for me to understand what the songs are about. It does not hinder me to enjoy the music and the vocal melodies. They come across in the same way Feu! Chatterton's previous album caught me a few years ago. The surprise of how Prisoner uses its instruments, like the the trombone that comes through at surprising moments. It has the same positive effect on me as the saxophone in DEADLETTER's songs has. The organ with its sharp sound creates an even more 60s vibe. Many songs have a surprising edge, making them fairly unique. At times over the top, yes, but always just right.

Prisoner was formed by singer Susanne Pemmerl and guitarist/singer Philippe "Philos" Simon Gerard and joined later by Sébastien Grienti on bass, Marcus Hett on trombone, Étienne Meyer of drums and Lucas Gentilhomme on keyboards. Together they are responsible for a sound that besides all the aforementioned influences, also holds a French component, as some songs dip into the French sigh girl era as well. Most songs are a mix of punk and 60s movie soundtracks like John Barry wrote for tv series 'The Persuaders' for example. That sort of dreamy, happiness as if everything will be alright and for the Curtis-Moore duo it always did in the end of course.

What more can I write to convince you to listen to this near unique mix of musical styles? Hearing is believing, I'm sure. Prisoner caught me immediately with the opening song and single 'La Femme Qui s’Était Faite Toute Seule' and manages to keep my attention on the ball for the full 16 songs that follow it. No matter what turn the band takes, I'm right up there with it.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght