A new punk music force emerged from the raw, unpolished regions of Vancouver. The band Priced Out was formed with the goal of giving voice to the problems faced by underprivileged groups. Their music captures the unadulterated rage and fury of a metropolis facing serious socioeconomic problems. The band came together in a tiny, graffiti-filled basement rehearsal space in East Vancouver, telling a tale of serendipity and mutual fury.
Comprised of five passionate musicians, Priced Out features Rene on guitar, Graham on bass, Devin on drums, Joel on guitar, and Rob on lead vocals. Each member brought their unique experiences and perspectives to the table, united by a common cause: to create music that reflects their lived realities and societal frustrations. They channeled their collective passion into strong, rebellious music, drawing influence from punk icons like Idles and Dead Kennedys as well as the literary grit of Lou Reed.
The band’s name, Priced Out, perfectly reflects the harsh reality of residing in a city where a lot of people struggle to find a place to call home because of the growing expense of living. Their songs act as a rallying cry against the structural issues of income inequality, the opioid crisis, and the general housing catastrophe. To capture the rawness and undiluted intensity that define their music on their debut EP, they stuck to a DIY attitude and recorded live off-the-floor.
Priced Out’s debut EP, “Four Songs,” which captures the essence of punk rock with a raw, unabashed energy, was released on July 12th, 2024. It’s a tremendous collection. This EP is more than simply music; it’s a declaration, an outspoken protest against the inequities of society. Each song expresses the band’s underlying dissatisfaction with the current situation and their want for change.
“Four Songs” was recorded DIY in the band’s rehearsal studio in East Vancouver, in a single six-hour session. This method captured the band’s live, unfiltered sound, preserving the raw emotion and intensity that define their music. The EP’s themes are universal yet deeply personal, addressing issues such as wealth inequality, the opioid crisis, and the false promises of gentrification.
Four Songs EP Track List:
Pull The Ladder Up:
When I first listened to “Pull The Ladder Up” from Priced Out’s debut EP “Four Songs,” I was immediately struck by its brash energy and relentless intensity. The song opens with sustained, reverberating synth-like string sounds that set a haunting, anticipatory mood. Just as I was being drawn into this sonic landscape, a powerful drumbeat crashed in, bringing a rock intensity that was both invigorating and raw. At the 0:13 mark, the guitar strings joined the fray, their electrifying presence and grungy texture injecting a punk vibe that was impossible to ignore. The bass guitar added a thick, heavy presence, creating a perfect balance that gave the song a fast tempo and an infectious energy. It was a maddeningly vibrant experience that resonated deep within me.
As the song progressed, the lead singer’s voice emerged with a crisp texture and a commanding tone. The lyrics were delivered with such power and intensity that they perfectly complemented the fierce instrumentation. The steady progression of the song, punctuated by higher notes at intervals, was simply magnificent. Each element of the song – the insane drumbeat, the electrifying guitar strings, the heavy bass, and the powerful vocals – combined to create a potent punk rock rhythm that was brimming with life. The consistent flow of power, vigor, and intensity is what truly sets this song apart, making it a standout gem in the punk rock world.
What struck me most about “Pull The Ladder Up” was its ability to channel raw emotion into a structured, yet chaotic, musical experience. The song delivers its urgent, universally relatable condemnation of modern selfishness and the “get mine” mentality with a sense of urgency. I really connected to the theme of this song, which serves as a rallying cry against the injustices that many of us encounter. Priced Out has poured so much love and energy into this song that it’s more than simply a song; it’s an experience that leaves you wanting more.
Artwashing:
From the moment I pressed play on “Artwashing” from Priced Out’s debut EP “Four Songs,” I was hooked. The track opens with a careful blend of electrifying guitar strings, soft drum touches, and a mellow yet heavy bass, setting the stage for what’s to come. Despite the gentleness of the initial instrumentation, the rock sensations were unmistakably woven into the fabric of the music. By the 0:20 mark, the full intensity of the song is unleashed – the drumbeat intensifies, the guitar strings come alive with crisp, brash energy, and the bass flows majestically. The transformation was mesmerizing, creating an intense mid to fast tempo rhythm that left me breathless.
As the song went on, the lead singer’s voice enthralled me with its ability to convey the lyrics with strength and grace. He demonstrated his variety and vocal dexterity by alternating between gentle, melodic tones and powerful, heavy-hitting phrases in his vocal performance. The dynamic shifts in his delivery mirrored the evolving soundscape, making the song feel alive and constantly moving. The unique progression of the bass, with its thick texture and melodic riff patterns, added a distinctive layer to the overall composition. Each element of the instrumentation worked in harmony, creating a steady yet evolving progression that was both intense and pleasing.
What makes “Artwashing” truly stand out is its unpredictability and the way it keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. The song critiques the superficial use of community art projects to mask gentrification and displacement, delivering its message through powerful, evocative music. I discovered that I was experiencing every beat, every riff, and every vocal variation in addition to just hearing them. This song is proof of Priced Out’s ability to make music that is both very addictive and thought-provoking. It’s a punk rock classic that I will listen to repeatedly, learning something new from its complex, dynamic soundtrack each time.
Priced Out’s debut EP “Four Songs” delves into potent themes of societal frustration and inequality through its four impactful tracks. “Pull The Ladder Up” critiques the selfish “get mine” attitude that pervades society, highlighting the harm it causes by neglecting communal responsibility and empathy. “Poisoned Drugs” addresses the opioid crisis in Vancouver, condemning the criminalization of poverty and the inadequate responses to the epidemic.
In order to highlight the growing divide between the rich and the poor, “Hedge Fund Maze” explores wealth inequality and the ways in which those in positions of authority shape public opinion. Finally, the book “Artwashing” exposes the sneaky ways in which cultural endeavors are appropriated to cover up more serious societal problems by criticizing the flimsy use of community art projects as a front for gentrification and displacement. The EP is a potent critique on the status of society since each song blends raw punk energy with a pointed, unapologetic look at current issues.
Priced Out’s “Four Songs,” their debut EP, is an honest and unvarnished portrayal of rage and frustration. An intense and potent listening experience is produced by the band’s ability to translate these feelings into their music. This EP provides a therapeutic outlet for everyone who has experienced the hurt of social injustice or the annoyance of marginalization. Punk rock is unpolished, unrepentant, and unquestionably authentic, and this is captured in the band’s DIY style and live-off-the-floor recording. “Four Songs” is an intense introduction to a band that has a lot to say and isn’t afraid to say it loudly, therefore I highly recommend listening to it.
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