Prism Tats is the solo project of South African-born Garett van der Spek, a multi instrumentalist whose vicious garage rock is fully indebted to the early days of power pop. The compressed drums and tremolo guitars of singles like "Creep Out // Freak Out" are pure rock n’ roll at its most joyful and unforced, the kind that could perfectly soundtrack your favorite early eighties coming-of-age comedy. But behind its wound-up melodies lurks a smart and outspoken look into the intricacies of being an Angeleno, a city that’s greatly informed van der Spek’s now permanent vacation.
Prism Tats is opening for indie rock veterans Nada Surf this coming Saturday, May 21st at Teragram Ballroom. His debut self-titled Prism Tats is out now via Anti- Records. – Juan Rodríguez
Photo Credit: Cara Robbins