Inner Prisms

It’s common to hear artists tout the underlying ethos and righteous goal that their work represents. But I find it difficult to buy this story since most of the bands or musicians I meet just can’t help but to make music, and it rarely seems to me as part of some larger moral code.

But, being lucky enough to befriend Gerald Penilla of Inner Prisms, I’ve found a strong counter-example to my theory. Aside from the l’art pour l’art value of the Inner Prisms songs with their solid melodies, crisp lyrics and impressively clear recordings, there is most definitely something deeper there.

Having two solid albums under their belt Synchronicity (2010) and Singularity (2011), the band has secured their sound somewhere in the splicing of folk, classic rock, blues, psychedelic, and indie rock, singer-songwriter but trying to classify the music seems to miss the point. Penilla’s voice has a uniquely deep timbre that borders on being a growl– making a great fit for songs like “Free” which has an almost gospel edge or “There’s Been Times” which breaks into a great country-blues rhythm.

The world that the Inner Prisms songs live in is full of hope for the future, clarity about the bigger picture and an optimism towards people that’s not without realistic woes. Most importantly to me, Inner Prisms are accomplishing the difficult task of relaying a positive message through the avenue of music without making you feel like you’re being preached to and without making concept albums.

Hailing from Riverside, CA the Inner Prisms have plans to do many good shows this year..we’ll definitely be hollering about them on our Twitter & Facebook. - Gideon Arom

Interview and photos included! - INK MAGAZINE

There is something very grandfatherly about the music of Inner Prisms. It’s warm, comforting, and even a little bit mischievous. Whether singing about a dusty road or a kitty, the big city or past loves, these artists are great for making nostalgia a jovial experience. Acoustic guitar, harmonicas, and swimming bass lines wield for us a harmless listening experience while certain tracks, such as the sitar laden “Mediation 1?, help mix things up a bit.

Such accessibility in musicianship blended with thick and creamy vocals bring us back to the fragile beauty of the blues and jazz. We can see these guys singing these songs along the side of the road; ready to share their humble, “midnight around a campfire” music with whoever comes along. From a mysterious band who claims to create in hopes of conveying “a message of love, hope, redemption and renewal” one might expect complex songs overstuffed with statement and sunshine. What we get instead, and perhaps all we really need, is simplicity.

Check out their bandcamp page for appealing artwork and the full story behind why these guys are making music.

Download: “Dusty Road” by Inner Prisms - Cyndi Kimmel

When I listen to this song, I feel like I should be sat in a dimly-lit French boozer on a Sunday evening, working my way through a cheap bottle of red.

The latest work from the Californian musicians Inner Prisms might not have the same effect on you but give it a go – it’s available to download for free below!
- Mahogany Blog

Found this gem while Bandcamp browsing the tags section of the site. The artwork for this album was what first attracted me to check it out. Now looking at this artwork (below) you would come to suspect that while listening you’d become either BLISSED OUT or FUZZED OUT. But in reality it was quite the slap in the back of the head for stereotyping due to artwork.

Instead what you find is a gentle melodies with uplifting lyrics sung buy a gentleman with one of the more unique voices I’ve heard, similar to the Dutch group I Am Oak. I wouldn’t be shocked if it’s the same bro. But seeing how Inner Prisms is out of Riverside, Cali I doubt it.

After listening to this album I feel lighthearted and mellowed out. - Jimmy Morris

Two guys, an acoustic bass player and acoustic guitar player, timidly take the stage. One quietly asks the other if they're ready, a small "yes" barely slips past the bass players lips, and the first guitar chords begin. My initial comparison was to Jack Johnson, but then the voice of the guitar player rang through and I felt like a happy child again, in my room, listening to my Mom's Boz Scaggs albums on my old record player. His voice was unique and very pleasant. What I found most amazing is that as I sat there I could close my eyes and what I was hearing could have been coming out of a radio. These guys are good! These guys rehearse, and it shows. Not to mention the acoustics in that room are really quite good. I was very impressed.
The bass player would come in with well chosen subtle harmonies at just the right times.
The guys expressed in between songs that their music is all about Love and Compassion, and that really does shine through in their lyrics. In their first song I particularly enjoyed the lyric "Forget your Memories and your plans... Leave your worries at the door and just dance." There was also a small bass feature in the middle of the song which I thought was clever. Their second song was a very sultry sounding song of life and living for the moment because the moment can end at any time. The imagery in this song was beautiful. "You don't know when you're done so I sing and dance with the sun, because everything is one." Very well done and they completely avoided the amateur trap of similar sounding songs. The songs were unique while staying within the particular style the guys have chosen. Overall a very good performance. The only advise I would give is to look into adding some percussion to your group. It will only improve the sound by making it fuller and more rounded. These guys will be having a CD release party at Back to the Grind on Saturday May 22nd from 8PM to 11PM. They'll be giving out free CD's and posters that they designed. Do come see Inner Prisms, truly an enjoyable new audio experience. - Alexis Maxwell