 May 2013: Punk Globe Magazine http://punkglobe.com/aprimitiveevolutionreview0513.php
Epic is pretty much the only way to describe A Primitive Evolution’s music. The Toronto-based band is made up of former members of Lye and Aphasia, and the result of the talented trio making music together is an authoritative testament on what rock and roll really is. After their well-received eponymous debut in 2009 and featured music in movies and series like Chastity Bites and Stoked, respectively, the band got together to record an unplugged album featuring different versions of songs from their debut; however, APE just couldn’t help themselves, and instead the recording sessions led to the band’s titan sophomore album, The Prize. |
Apr 6th 2013: Instant Filter http://instantfilter.wordpress.com/2013/04/06/a-primitive-evolution/
...the apt phrase that comes to mind is ‘Tour de force’. Their passion for music and the overall experience, can be seen in the Alice-In_Wonderlandesque videos, the groove, tempo, deceptively great work on the percussion, little surprise riffs in the middle of songs which transcend an already good melody to another level, and I could go on and on. But, what really impressed me more than all this is the raw power, passion and emotion in the vocals... |
Apr 6th 2013: Why Blue Matters http://areyouthereason.com/a-primitive-evolution-lord-of-reason/
A Primitive Evolution is Toronto’s newest rupture of angst and self-empowered defiance. This band comes not in hygienic capsules of neat delivery, but in a trembling proclamation of raunchy blues-rock revival... |
Apr 3rd 2013: Indie Bands Blog http://www.indiebandsblog.com/north-american-bands/canadian-bands/a-primitive-evolution-alternative-rock
Rolling peels of bass rattle through the speakers as A Primitive Evolution play the darker side of rock. There is in earthy tinge to the music which is delivered with precision. The lower tones are what adds considerably to the value of the band and they keep the listener engaged not only cerebrally, but feeling the material flow through the bones...
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Apr 2nd 2013: Rawramp Magazine http://rawramp.me/2013/04/02/a-primitive-evolution-the-prize-video/
‘Lord of Reason’ begins with a roaring beam of sound spiralling in, then a disdainful voice that sneers against the belting – yet wickedly sardonic – soundscape. The vocal careers around the biosphere like a rattled beast. A clash of cymbals introduces the burning chorus – the door is opened – and in pours a beautiful flaming mouth of sounds. |
Apr 2nd 2013: Follow the Signal http://www.followthesignal.com/a-primitive-evolution-the-prize/
Their new album “The Prize” wastes no time, with album opener “Lord of Reason” kicking things off with a groove reminiscent of Monster Magnet’s “Space Lord”. The head bobs uncontrollably to a fuzzed out blues rock groove. Vocalist/guitarist Brett Carruthers leads with a charismatic midrange, while bassist Stephany Seki and drummer Stu Dead hold down the fort... |
Mar 18th 2013: Manifesto Magazine http://manifestomag.net/unspoken-heard/2013/3/18/a-primitive-evolution-the-prize.html
A.P.E. has proven with The Prize that creativity is not only a tool for evolution, but the defining home for it to lay its head... This new album, an inspired collection of re-worked tracks from their debut along with new songs is sonically stirring and magnetic. “Coming and Going” is a lush poem composed with tight vocals and lead guitar work that accentuates but doesn’t dictate the flow. “I Feel It All” is hard-charging, and pulls you into the rhythm so deep... |
Mar 13th 2013: Music eMissions http://www.musicemissions.com/artists/albums/index.php?album_id=16612
From beginning to end the tracks evolve into something different after each song. Maybe that's what make this album unique. On this album there is something about Brett's voice that brings you into each song and makes you want to listen, almost hypnotizing you with his voice. His voice truly is one of a kind and distinct; his use of the different ranges and pitches shows his strive to perfect almost every song. |
Mar 12th 2013: Celebrity VIP Lounge http://www.celebrityviplounge.com/a-primitive-evolution-the-prize/
Pearl Jam. Nirvana. The Smashing Pumpkins. Some of the 90s biggest bands put out their best work during that era. Toronto-based band A Primitive Evolution may sound like a band from that time, but they have added their own unique imprint on the sound for a new generation. Their second full length release, The Prize, cements their previous sound and propels them towards new areas of rock to deliver ten songs of divergent, pulsatingly passionate groove rock. |
Mar 12th 2013: Buzz Feed http://www.buzzfeed.com/axtonruiz/toronto-rock-trio-releases-music-video-with-chains-8lum
Remember when youtube didn't exist and only MTV offered your favorite music videos for viewing, which worked because at the time MTV actually aired music videos? ... However this pre-youtube era had its perks. For example, music videos debuts caused full audience anticipation. Music fans looked forward to the final reveal because videos utilized real storytelling with elaborate production and extended scenes. The latest music video from A Primitive Evolution reminds me of those days. Their music video for Lord of Reason is pretty awesome and the music matches this level of awesome with solid rock music... |
Mar 11th 2013: BL RAG http://www.blrag.com/music/2013/3/11/a-primitive-evolution-puts-canada-back-on-the-rock-map.html
A Primitive Evolution Puts Canada Back On The Rock Map!
Toronto's alternative rock kings A Primitive Evolution have been carving out their own unique niche, not only with their authentic take on "alternative blues rock", but with their intensely creative, high budget videos that look inspired by both Lewis Carroll and Tim Burton. The "Lord of Reason" music video was directed by Peter J Arvidsson, and features some fantastic imagery, but it's really the song itself that is something to get excited about... |
Mar 7th 2013: Mondo Cult http://www.mondocult.com/articles/primitiveevolution.html
Toronto's alternative/blues rock trio A Primitive Evolution are characterized by their raw, honest musical output and visionary "Alice in Wonderland-esque" music videos. A rock act that puts in effort and passion in all ways and that look like punks but their musicality denies the costume. These guys simply prove that what goes around comes around. Reminiscent of the 60s, the music eases one into a trippy place… and a good place…excellent lead vocals (most unusual in this day and age). That's a hell of a lot of noise for three kids. I hope they keep it up... |
Mar 1st 2013: Nerdy Nothings http://nerdynothings.com/music-reviews/a-primitive-evolution-the-prize/
What’s really cool about The Prize, especially on the faster tracks, is that there’s a genuine groove here... The production on this record, too, should be lauded. The combined efforts of the band and John Wozniak, lead singer/guitarist of the band Marcy Playground, make this disc sound instantly radio-ready. Drums thunder, vocals punch, and the acoustic guitar carries it all along in a low-mid-range flow; everything in the mix has room to breathe and nothing feels washed-out or less than crisp.
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Feb 28th 2013: The Levity Ball http://www.thelevityball.com/a-primitive-evolution/
From the group’s name, you almost immediately obtain a feeling of dirtiness, of rambunctious early man, where clubs were common weapons and dinosaurs arm-wrestled gorillas. ‘A Primitive Evolution’ rocks, and not in the cheesy way Boston and Tom Petty rock when they are trying to flirt with middle-aged woman. This is the real rock, the RAWK that the young and cool dinosaurs enjoy, not the ancient old man Foreigner fan type dinosaur. Let’s get to the point. ‘A Primitive Evolution’ is a fun, exciting, and likable group who employ fast-paced guitar rock energy, with a dirty down-south swagger... |
Feb 19th 2013: Scallywag Magazine http://scallywagmagazine.com/primitive-evolution-the-prize-awesome/
What was intended to be an unplugged version of a debut album morphed into its own monster… thus, The Prize is born. A Primitive Evolution’s second record vibrates with soul, grit, rock and eerie goodness. I’ve had it in my ears for a few weeks now and find that it’s a go to just about every day.... when they teamed up with Producer John Wozniak something different bubbled to the surface. They emerged from Mushroom Studios in Toronto with a second album and a new way to whoop the ass of the world with its music... |
Feb 9th 2013: Examiner http://www.examiner.com/review/the-prize-by-a-primitive-evolution?cid=rss
Welcome to A Primitive Evolution's The Prize, a full length album that provides a glimpse into the alternative world of a band native to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, bent on making impactful music. A collection of ten songs, The Prize, is not standard fare alternative, but an onslaught of heavy, layered rock with lyrics that are organic, raw and real. Opening with "Lord of Reason," vocalist Brett Carruthers is able to establish a powerful pull over the listener with contemplative ruminations... |
Feb 8th 2013: Monolith Sound http://monolith-sound.com/2013/02/08/the-prize-a-primitive-evolution/
The record is a power house of strong acoustic rhythms, electronic synthesizer passages, blues infused vocal lines and pounding percussion. This record is a real testament to blues music whilst staying relevant and modern with influences from today’s music. It’s just straight up Rock n’ Roll with a bit of flavor and spice added for that extra kick. APE have brought Rock music into the modern era with ‘The Prize’ and are showing the rest how it’s done... |
Feb 8th 2013: Rock World Magazine http://www.rockworldmagazine.com/articledisplay.cfm?id=300
The band’s second album hints at being dark but surprising streaks of light ripple through each track. “I Feel It All” is a window into the pure commercial yet true-to-itself sound that A.P.E. puts forth. The band’s music has been used in film and TV but don’t let that dissuade the purist who is in it for the personal soundtrack.
Brett Carruthers’ vocals will at once conjure up Jim Morrison with a little Robert Plant thrown in. Bassist Steph Seki and drummer Stu Dead swarm around Carruthers in a skillfully devilish way, evoking Queens of the Stone Age and some good old-fashioned Guns N Roses... |
Feb 8th 2013: Music News http://music-news.com/showreview.asp?nReviewID=8941&nType=1
A Primitive Evolution or as abbreviated by fans, A.P.E seem to suggest their tailor-made variety of musical composition eponymously. From the first song of their latest album The Prize, this Canadian alternative blues rock band embrace an evolution of industrial synthesised resonances and altered sampling to create a unique balance of old school rock n' roll with the modern influence of electronica... |
Feb 7th 2013: Bigger Than Beyonce http://www.biggerthanbeyonce.com/2013/02/a-primitive-evolution/
A Primitive Evolution are something to get excited about. When I first jacked in, I was startled not only by the maturity in their sound, but in the way it was so keen to resonate. Their music is easily met, easily embraced, and impossible to let go.
Children of both rock and the blues, this group adds unprecedented soul to what would otherwise dust as radio rock. Their h-core ‘tude is rocked into sedation by a more gothic undertone, leaving you manic and mysterious... |
Jan 14th 2013: Nightmair Creative www.nightmaircreative.com
Often one has to sift through a lot of crap bands to find the gems – and when the pearls are found they should be celebrated. A Primitive Evolution’s The Prize is no pearl however – more like a voyage through the very fabric of imagination and creation.
Opening track Lord of Reason makes the hairs on the back of our neck stand up in an uncomfortably thrilling way. Deep lyrics, haunting melody, and the twisting turning vocals of Brett Carruthers combine to create a sonic masterpiece you’ll want to hear on perpetual repeat...
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Dec 2013: Lithium Magazine http://www.lithiummagazine.com/primitive-evolution-prize-%E2%80%93-album-review
In terms of the new material found on The Prize, the single “Lord of Reason” is the most notable. Every time I listen to that particular song I can’t help but feel a familiarity with the Seattle sound of the 90s. Following this release, I personally cannot wait to see what the band writes for their third album. If they could smash together and fuse the musical styles of their first two albums then there is no doubt we will be in for an incredible album. |
