Dick Prall brings to the music world the Midwestern sensibility expected from a native Iowan. He’s a singer/songwriter who follows up his successful 2005 album
Fizzlebuzzie with 2007’s
Weightless where he explores the lonelier, shadier, and more transient sides of life. There are tender moments of solitude and bombastic flashes of excitement, but all fit nicely into this 10 song album.
His sound is similar to a great number of other performing artists as there’s only so much range to be found on an acoustic guitar. His voice lends itself beautifully to the sound he creates similar to the effect Mike Doughty achieves in his music. The Magic Numbers or the quieter moments from Okkervil River are also comparable. Prall never really goes off into an explosive rock number so there is a subdued sense of emotion displayed throughout the disc.
“Halfway to Hollywood” opens the disc and instantly tells the listener that although Prall is a singer/songwriter, he is not afraid to go with a full band sound using a variety of instrumentation. The song reminds one of early Pete Yorn both in tone and richness. “Boulevard,” on the other hand, is an artistic and very good piece about the streets of the world. “Long Play,” though, is a soft, quiet, and tender piece demonstrating his range. “Side by Side” brings to mind some work from the indie favorites Spoon.
Prall clearly has his niche carved out. His live shows draw raves similar to the way Matt Nathanson enraptures his audience. He recently went on tour with Matt Pond PA and Pete Francis, and there couldn’t be a more perfect compliment to his music than Matt Pond PA. If he’s looking to grow his fan base with like-minded individuals this was an incredibly effective move.
Prall has an ear for hooks and catchy fun, but also has found his place of solace and intimacy. While recognizing the limitations of being a singer/songwriter in one's sound, he does an effective job of instilling as much of his abilities into one disc. Elegant and well produced, Weightless shows off what an artistic, Iowa-born Chicagoan can accomplish.
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