PRIMA DONNA

Not Having Fun
Sep 4, 2003
Publication: musicdish.com/ various independent music sites
URL: http://www.musicdish.com
Reviewer: Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
Prima Donna - Not Having Fun

By: MuzikMan (Associate Writer)
2003-09-04

I don't believe that these three woman that call themselves Prima Donna are Not Having Fun. The music is too damned good! You cannot make good music like this unless you are having a good time, right? I have to tell you, I listened to this CD countless times I enjoyed it so much.

This authoritative trio made up of young women has their act together. Debbie Keman (lead and background vocals), Tina Ciere (rhythm guitars, background vocals) and Gina Cieri (lead and rhythm guitars, keyboards, background vocals) are accomplished musicians and vocalists and they prove that steadfastly throughout this entire album. You will hear a CD chock-full of great guitar licks with hooks galore filling in every track including sexy and attention grabbing vocals all backed by an out of sight rhythm section that is clicking on all its cylinders. This band is as tight as a pair of spandex jeans.

The lyrics have their moments in the sun too as they stab and bite at their intended victims. On "Like You" the singer asks Do I like you?-not enough, Do I love you?-not enough, Do I want you?-not enough, Do I need you?-how much? Well, you get the idea. The point made is quite clear that she does not need the person that is the subject of the song. This is music about self-reliance and independence; I am woman and hear me roar! Damned straight, and do not forget it.

The little girl on the front cover of this CD could easily turn her frown upside by listening to this music. Got a grimace going on that needs adjusting? Check this out, you will be dancing in the street in no time.

- musicdish.com

Prima Donna
Nov 7, 2003
Publication: Pa Rocks/Spotlight
URL: http://www.parocks.com/spotlight
Reviewer: Paul Autry
Okay, I'm kind of flying blind as I write this review because I just got this album in the mail and I have yet to seek out more information on the band. I eventually will, but, I thought I would give you a quick line or two going on my first impression. Just something to introduce you to the band.

The band in question is from Philidelphia and they're called Prima Donna. The album that was sent my way was their debut release, "Not Having Fun." Can't say that I agree with that title because I'm having a blast listening to this release.

It doesn't quite have that "big sound," if you know what I mean. But, it's upbeat and full of energy and I really dig it. Musical style, well, I guess I'd say that they're modern indie rock with maybe a hint of pop thrown into the mix. Ah, put it this way, it's all good.

There are some additional players on the album. But, the core of the band are twin sisters Tina and Gina Cieri and vocalist Debbie Kernan. So, yes, it's safe to say that this is an all girl band and, personally, they're a rather good one. Seems the focus here is simply to write good songs. Put the song first, before anything else and, regardless of what your musical style is, you're always gonna walk away a winner.

Anyway, if you're someone who has been following my writing, you know that when I suggest checking out a band without knowing much about 'em, they've gotta have something special to offer. Well, pick up this CD and you'll see what I'm talking about. Gotta love it...I know I do.
- Pa Rocks/Spotlight

"Really cool sounds coming off this project. Two electric guitars compliment each other well and the punk rock flavor is also listener friendly which is historically an oxymoron in my opinion!:) Good job!"
Annette Warner

- gogirlsmusic.com

Phillie has produced some top names in pop and rock. Each new generation of singers and musicians have a lot to live up to. One group that is taking a big step in the right direction is Prima Donna. This is a female fronted band that has a debut album that is really good. The album is titled "Not Having Fun" and was self released.
The album was produced by the band along with Bogdan Hernik. There are 10 songs on "Not Having Fun." The songs were all written by the twins.
"Love to Die For"is the first track. Debbie sings about an obsessive love. She can't walk away because she needs it every day. The guitar work is fast and furious as Debbie belts out the lyrics.
"Like You" slows things down a little. It starts out almost like an R&B tune, then moves on to something like possibly a Go Go's song. Then it slides right back into the R&B styling as it was at first.
"Someone" has some very good guitar music. "Justify" is a moderately paced ballad with great guitar and anguish filled vocals by Debbie. "In Your Own World" has a retro styling of a '60's pop song.
"No Compromise" is another fast paced tune with some great guitar. The title track, "Not Having Fun", is a more subtle tune about not feeling important and making a change.
All three ladies do blended vocals on the song, "Why."
"Not Having Fun" has been called "upbeat", "full of energy" and it's content full of "self reliance and independence." I would add that the vocals are great and the twin's guitar playing is excellent. The songs have themes about love, broken relationships, not being alone and getting it back together. They are biting commentaries, yet aren't too catty or in-your-face. The combination of solid vocals by Debbie, great guitar playing by Tina and Gina, and the background music of the other players make "Not Having Fun" a very enjoyable listening experience.
Bruce E Von Stiers - BVSReviews.com