Prong Adds Levity to Load

Known for its dark themes and heavy, sometimes overwhelmingly stark sound, New York City’s Prong isn’t a band that springs to mind when words such as “celebratory” and “uplifting” are tossed around.

Add a recent back injury that sidelined bassist Paul Raven, and “frustrated” could be more appropriate.

Yet--with smiling, high-fiving singer-guitarist Tommy Victor leading a makeshift lineup that included a pinch-hitting bassist (Vince Dennis) and a new touring guitarist (ex-Screw member Mike Robinson)--the mood was practically festive during Prong’s hourlong set at Club 369 Tuesday night before a near-capacity crowd.

Perhaps the band was loose because the show was, reportedly, just a casual warmup for a tour that officially kicks off June 10 (and lands at the Troubadour in West Hollywood on June 13). Or maybe the good vibes emanated from the band’s new, critically praised “Rude Awakening” LP.

Fortunately not lost in the partylike atmosphere were the tension and brute force that make Prong such a compelling live act. The group’s aggressive, crunching sonic assault was fueled by Dennis’ thumping bass and Ted Parson’s pulsating drums. And with Robinson on lead guitar, Victor turned primarily to rhythm parts, adding another layer to the mix.

Despite its loud, raw and often grinding instrumental style, Prong’s vision of decaying popular culture and forced individual perseverance was not buried. Victor’s vocals were clear and passionate.

The band appeared equally comfortable and confident as it shifted from the hard-driving, industrial textures of the opening “Controller” to the straightforward hard-core of “Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck” to several highly melodic, midtempo numbers (“Unfortunately,” “Rude Awakening” and “Avenue of the Stars”) that revealed a catchy pop side.