"Gothic Revival" is one of the term used to categorize Josh Sharkey III's solo project, Puerto Rico Flowers. Reminiscent of 80's goth and new wave, PRF started on the right foot, issuing their first EP, 4, on Fan Death Records, and indie label respected for their ability to sway away from the mainstream hardcore scene as well as house eclectinc bands like Birds of Maya and Ringo Deathstarr.
4 was released in January 2010, so it's not new to the lo-fi scene. But what makes the project unique is the effective song lineup and refreshing rehash of a classic sound nearly abandoned these days. Sharkey, of past Clockcleaner ilk, exudes modern-day goth rock with a prominent synth edge to give a well-rounded feel.
Instead of leaning heavily on genres dubbed whitchhuas or dethcore to control a retro sound, Puerto Rico Flowers gives in to slow, lurching drum rolls and heavy bass with little regard. Synth pop undertones keep the minimal amount of songs new, entertaining, and non-gimmicky, which many revivalist bands tend to fall into.
"Not My Idea" opens the album, which is understandable enough since the slow start and sombre mood make the perfect gateway for the catchier and more pop "Let's Make Friends."
"Let's Make Friends" is by far the most dynamic track of the four. Fast-paced enough to keep one focused, yet heavy and droning with and air of electricity and synths, the song has a way of seeping into one's memory. It is and elegant clash that Sharkey promotes when combining his funeral sound with a slightly more upbeat, pop tempo. Vaguely ominous lyrics about crawling on kitchen floors and love turned to lust, respectively, elevate this song to mystic levels.
"Torture" is next up, and will reach out to many old goth fans with its sloth-like, thumping drums and - most prominent and exciting - the obviousness of Sherkey's deep voice. Think Blixa Bargeld and Bauhaus for those dedicated to a long gone era.
Rounding out the tightly curated EP is "This Is Murder," a ballad-like song drowning in Sharkey's dramatic goth crooning. Although "This Is Murder" comes deftly close to verging on past territory - the drum is almost identical to "Not My Idea" - it saves itself with the contrasting moods of each song. Where the last track is dense and anxiety-filled, the last evokes a sense of lightness, even luminescence, when the synths rise to full force.
Puerto Rico Flowers has recently released another EP, this time titled 2. While one shouldn't be surprised by the number of songs on the album, they may take notice of the change in direction John Sharkey takes. This time a little more light, a little more dream pop, 2 diverges in a way that takes to original to a higher - if not a bit bit less gloomy - spectrum. Yet PRF is significant for their fuzzed-out, heavy-hitting bass and smashing drums that blend well with a catchy melody. Add a likeness to Birthday Party-era Nick Cave and Bauhaus, and you've got a decent record, to say the least.
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