Categories: PUNK ROCKREVIEWS

The Prickly Pair – It Takes Two to Cry

It Takes Two to Cry” is the latest song by The Prickly Pair, a Los Angeles-based duo consisting of Irene Greene on vocals and Mason Summit on vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboards. The song has been recorded at their home, mixed by Oliver Roman, mastered by Bobbi Giel at Welcome to 1979 in Nashville, and includes the drumming performance of Wilco’s drummer Ken Coomer. Soundwise, The Prickly Pair combines some of the finest properties borrowed from many complementary styles. Perhaps country comes to mind first, but you’ll notice how all the vital elements from Americana, alt-country, indie folk, folk rock, and classic rock found their way into this sonic equation. Inspired by the many renowned names like Johnny Cash & June Carter, Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris, Fiona Apple, Hank Williams, and many more, The Prickly Pair wrote a perfect cheating song where their songwriting abilities shine in the limelight. Of course, they use these sonic ingredients as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details while they retain primary sonic direction. Therefore, “It Takes Two to Cry” will suit even the pickiest country music enthusiasts and gather many new fans along the way.

Photo by Cherie Miller

As soon as you press play, you’ll hear how they poured heart and soul into this composition. Their hearty, sincere, confident, and emotive performance uplifts “It Takes Two to Cry” to new heights while their writing, composing, arranging, and producing abilities shine throughout the song. This track arrives with a perfect structure, adorned by many intricate segments, brilliant ideas, and superb musicianship. Each vocal, sonic, and rhythmic maneuver has its place and purpose in this sonic equation and The Prickly Pair left no stone unturned while assembling this song. “It Takes Two to Cry” combines traditional sound and modern production, so besides providing one of the finest performances on the contemporary country music scene, they also thought about even the tiniest details and nuances. Of course, Irene Greene and Mason Summit’s marvelous voices serve as a centerpiece, emphasizing everything they tried to achieve with this composition. Their impressive vocal range seamlessly balances low, mid, and high notes while commanding attention and guiding the listening apparatus through each section. It’s nearly mindblowing how their vocal harmonies intervene, creating a mesmerizing ambiance that perfectly decorates all the sonic and rhythmic articulations. These vocal dualities are especially notable during the choruses.

The comprehensive collection of the finest instrumentations creates a perfect backdrop for their vocal maneuvers to shine upon. You’ll notice semi-distorted chord progressions, riffs, melodies, harmonies, themes, leads, and other sonic acrobatics shaping otherwordly atmosphere while the additional instruments such as mandolin and banjo support that recognizable twangy, reverby guitar sound. Of course, there are also some piano and organ orchestrations lurking in the background, providing more complexity and depth to an already detailed composition. Mason Summit’s creativity, talent, and knack for assembling perfect country songs unquestionably shine here, as he paid attention to every instrumentation. This composition wouldn’t sound this good with the rock-solid rhythm section, and The Prickly Pair thought about that particular detail as well. You’ll hear how equally complex, vividly hearable, warm-sounding basslines rumble beneath all those guitar, mandolin, and banjo layers, offering more than necessary heaviness, clarity, and depth while binding all the instrumentations with rhythmic patterns. In the meantime, the expertly arranged and flawlessly performed beat fills, and other percussive acrobatics keep everything in line while dictating groove and pace.

The Prickly Pair thought about everything and each instrument played a significant role in shaping such a memorable listening experience. “It Takes Two to Cry” pays homage to the greats of the genre, but it also resonates with some fresh, unique, irresistible, hypnotic ambiance, rarely heard or seen on the modern country music scene. It’s a magnificent composition that vividly showcases the talent, creativity, and experience of these exceptional musicians. “It Takes Two to Cry” on all streaming platforms. Don’t miss it!

Djordje Miladinović

Hi, my name is Djordje and music is my passion. You'll probably find me at the gigs, in a local record store, distro or in front of my PC searching for some quality music to listen to. Do not hesitate to contact me. By becoming a Patron, you're keeping Thoughts Words Action alive. https://www.patreon.com/thoughtswordsaction

Recent Posts

Mermaid Island Share New Single And Video “Ice Cream”

Photo by Jeff Antons Los Angeles punk band Mermaid Island have announced their self-titled debut album, arriving…

10 hours ago

idle threat Share “wither without” Featuring Silent Planet’s Garrett Russell

Photo courtesy of the band. Nashville quintet idle threat will drop their new album you'll forget the sun,…

10 hours ago

Lowertown Share New Single “Worst Friend”

Photo by Reno Silver Lowertown, the New York duo comprised of Olivia Osby and Avsha Weinberg, share new…

11 hours ago

Oathbreaker To Release Remastered And Redesigned Rheia (Redux) On May 29

Photo by: Anneke D'Hollander Rheia (Redux) is the 2026 remaster of Oathbreaker's 2016 genre-defining album. Helmed…

11 hours ago

Dead Pioneers Release New Single ‘Never Alone’ Featuring Aimee From The Interrupters

Photo courtesy of the band. Dead Pioneers, the Indigenous fronted band from Denver, are back…

11 hours ago

The Feelgood McLouds Celebrate 10th Anniversary As A Band With Their Fourth Studio Album

Photo by Christian Schwan With “Decade On Parade,” The Feelgood McLouds celebrate ten years as a band…

11 hours ago