Pralaya

NYC alt-rockers Pralaya set out to create a dense and personal blend of music that feels emotional and introspective,yet driven and in-your-face.

The band’s sound does not only remind me of the uplifting melodies of Copeland or Circa Survive, but it also makes me think of the energy and vision of bands such as Incubus, who transcend genre definitions to incorporate diverse influences within their music.

The group’s latest studio effort “A Matter of Time” is a release that features 6 brand new tunes, all currently available as Soundcloud downloads.

The songs featured within the EP showcase Pralaya’s eclectic approach and versatility, as well as the great attention to details that permeates the entire production. These musicians feel as comfortable ripping it with granitic guitar riffs as when they slow down and explore mellower sonic landscapes.

One of the most distinctive elements of the entire record is probably the beautiful use of delay and reverb effects on the guitars, arranged in such a way that it complements the huge, roomy snare (absolute protagonist of the rhythm section); therefore creating an incredible settings for the vocals to cut through the mix. - Andrea Caccese

PRALAYA is Alex Knales (Vox), Jon Connolly (Bass), Greg Telfeian (Drums) and Rick Whitley (Guitars). The band was years in the making, and happened when Rick, John and Greg jammed out a couple times a month, eventually getting monthly studio time and developing a natural chemistry which helped them expand their musical synergy even further.

pralaya-400bHowever, it wasn’t until years later that they discovered the singer “they always needed and hoped for”, affirm the band. Apparently, Alex Knales came into the picture out of nowhere; having moved from Miami to pursue his dream he found like-minded individuals in Rick, John and Greg who expressed the same type of feelings and emotion through organic creativity. This sparked the name PRALAYA which means ‘an intense transformation’; and that was exactly what was about to happen when these 4 guys got together.

The single because “Image” is a prime example of PRALAYA’s musical prowess and is damn near perfect alternative rock. Last night, after listening to it, I hit the repeat button and listened to it again. Every tiny nuance, every word, every subtle verse and every soaring chorus resonated with confident force through my headphones. There are sharp drum turns, elegant bass lulls, and steep guitar riffs to be dealt with…like a rollercoaster ride. All executed with brilliant musicianship and powerfully dynamic vocals.

pralaya-400The range of emotions explored in the six minutes of “Image” is astounding and effective, while the frequent juxtaposition of harshness and beauty works incredibly well. Alex Knales is an articulate and captivating lead vocalist with an equally compelling vocal range, which totally authenticates the band’s statement that Alex was the singer “they always needed and hoped for”.

“Image” is a focused foundation of music performed by Jon Connolly (Bass), Greg Telfeian (Drums) and Rick Whitley (Guitars), with crushing ease and an ambient thrust. The spectrum of melody, banging drums and gut-wrenching riffs is served within its own force of sweetly deafening emotion.

I love the soft-loud dynamics of this song. It lulls you into unconsciousness only to shatter you back through the looking-glass. Lyrically, musically and sonically, PRALAYA is positive proof that rock has plenty of life and vision left in it! - Rick Jamm

The guys from Pralaya recently released a new song called “Dansa” by way of soundcloud.com. The song is pretty trippy yet so dynamic! I think it sounds great! Pralaya have even tried to lure in more fans to listen to their new song “Dansa” by making their song “Cycle” available for free download. Give “Dansa” a listen now and get your free download of “Cycle” at soundcloud.com/pralayaband. - Tim Louie