Blue Plate Special: Prick
Prick, an American industrial rock band with glam rock and new wave influences, was founded in 1992 in Los Angeles by Kevin McMahon. The original lineup included McMahon, guitarist Chris Schleyer, and drummer Andy Kubiszewski. The band formed after McMahon’s previous project, Lucky Pierre, ended, incorporating demos recorded with Trent Reznor. Prick signed with now-defunct Nothing Records, part of Interscope, through a collaboration that started in England with producer Warne Livesey.
The release of their debut album in 1995 marked a pivotal moment, featuring the single “Animal” and achieving modest success. At the time, I was listening to a lot of Nine Inch Nails, and instantly connected with this album. Despite lineup changes and a brief stint performing under different names, Prick remained active in the mid-90s, supporting acts like David Bowie and NIN. However, creative differences with their label led to Prick leaving Nothing Records. McMahon’s dedication to his music led to the independent release of their second album, “The Wreckard,” in 2002, showcasing Prick’s enduring impact on the rock scene despite industry challenges.
Some of my favorites from their (his) brief catalog:
Animal – from the album Prick (1995)
Tomorrow – from the album The Wreckard (2002)
Communique – from the album Prick (1995)
Other People – from the album Prick (1995)
Into My Arms – from the album The Wreckard (2002)
