Review: Paper Route - Absence (* * * 1/2)

Nashville's Paper Route have just recently released their debut album, Absence, the follow-up to last year's EP Are We All Forgotten, which felt like the start of good things for the band. I've been curious to hear the new record as I was intrigued by the band's unique electronica-meets-pop-punk sound - a style that feels both refreshingly progressive but with a familiar base. The group have put together eleven new tracks and borrowed one from their EP (though they didn't pick my favorite - "Empty House") for their debut, and while Absence doesn't expand much on the promise of Paper Route's beginnings, it does provide some strong material that should help to further establish the band as one to watch.

While Paper Route is, at times, in danger of sounding a bit too much like the horde of 'post-emo' rock bands - they deserve better company. Their mainstream leanings are combined with a generous dose of 80's synth rock and hints of several other genres thrown in for a much more ambitious and interesting musical presentation that you would find among many of their peers. Also, while the group definitely love bombastic drums and explosive guitar riffs, as evidenced by the epic first single, "Carousel," and the intense, driving "Are We All Forgotten," they also are willing to restrain themselves when necessary and explore a variety of ideas that keeps the record surprising and compelling. Even when the results are less than spectacular, it's nice to hear a young band willing to take a risk when they certainly could have played it safe and stuck to the basics.

Opener "Enemy Among Us" floats along with piano over synthetic beats that expands subtly, creating a tense - but still pleasant - atmosphere, while closer "Dance On Our Graves" follows suit with a sparse, open sound in an emotionally intense ballad. These softer, more delicate moments are some of the album's highlights along with the more creative and stylistically unique tunes like the dense,electro-rocker "Gutter" and the groovier, slightly MGMT-esque "Tiger Teeth." Here, the songs best showcase the band's signature sound with a mix of programmed and live percussion behind drivingsynths and the earnest tenor vocals of JT Daly.

The band doesn't consistently hit it out of the park on Absence, but they have a good thing going here and I'll be eager to hear what they come up with in the future. I imagine Paper Route will find some success among the more radio-friendly rock crowd with their approachable pop-rock sound, and if this is what the kids are listening to these days, it's certainly a step in the right direction.

Paper Route to release debut LP

Alt-rockers Paper Route are getting set to release their full-length debut album, Absence, on April 28th. The band released a solid EP last year that caught the attention of Paste magazine, who labeled the quartet one of "4 to Watch." The group's sound is big and expressive, with waves of guitars, keys, and electronics surrounding singer JT Daly's vocals and open, emotional lyrics.

"We’re very sentimental, emotional, hopelessly romantic guys,” says Daly, "and that’s not cool. But we’ve found that when you are just brutally honest, people connect with that. A lot of things that people are running away from, we’ve always found ourselves gravitating towards.”

You can download their new recod's first single, "Carousel," below, which should give you a good taste of the band's signature style.

Carousel (MP3)

New Artist: Paper Route

Last week I posted an MP3 from Paper Route, a band which I had only recently discovered. I've had the chance to give their recently released EP, Are We All Forgotten a listen, and I have to say I'm very impressed. "Empty House," the single I posted earlier, is perhaps my favorite on the record, though "Are We All Forgotten," with it's great drum and bass line and more immediate vocals make for a great listen also. The band's twist on atmospheric indie rock is captivating and after the slow, gorgeous "Waiting For The Final Leaf To Fall," I'm left wanting more.

I haven't been able to find any information regarding a full-length album, though I imagine it will be soon in coming. The band is also touring through November and December, so check out their MySpace page for dates and who they're with.

And, lastly, their new EP is available to purchase at iTunes for $3 (5 songs, not a bad deal).

MP3 Monday: The Western States Motel, Paper Route, Anya Marina

It remains to be seen whether or not "MP3 Monday" will be a recurring feature, or if it will just be "MP3 [Insert Day Here]." Either way, enjoy not one, not two, but THREE free tunes.

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This first song is from a relatively new band called The Western States Motel, which only features one actual band member, Carl Jordan. Jordan's music is full of sunny keyboards, laid-back vocals, and a pure pop melodies. This song, titled "Oh World," is one of five catchy tracks from his recent EP titled Painted Birds Flying in the Orange Mirror Sun.

Also, if you're lucky enough to live in L.A., check out The Western States Motel each Monday at 9 p.m. for free at Spaceland.

Oh World


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Next up is another great tune from a band called Paper Route from Nashville, TN. Paper Route play driving, melodic indie rock reminiscent of Band of Horses and The Shins (or maybe a combination of the two). At any rate, this song from their July EP release, Are We All Forgotten, entitled "Empty House" is quite good. I have yet to hear the rest of the album, but it's on my "must listen" list..

Empty House


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Songwriter Anya Marina hails from California and has already had her music featured in popular television shows such as Grey's Anatomy (I've never seen it, I swear!). Recently she has collaborated with the likes of Britt Daniel (Spoon) to craft what, at first listen, appears to be an excellent pop record, Slow And Steady Seduction, Phase II, out December 9th.

Combining a very organic folk element with catchy pop melodies and her sexy, slightly raspy voice, Marina's lead single "Move You" is a fine example of her unique charm and obvious talent.

Move You