Paper Route, 'Absence'

Release date: April 28, 2009
Record label: Universal Motown
Official Web site: http://www.paperrouteonline.com/

The buzz: This Nashville group was one of our “Under the Radar” picks recently, thanks to its dreamy, synth-laden debut EP, “Are We All Forgotten”—since then, the guys have toured with indie buzz bands Young Love and Passion Pit, and landed a major-label deal.
 
The verdict: Oddly endearing, and yet equally puzzling. Live, the group kicks hard, with a percussive element that veers the band toward an emo-punk sound with a splash of synths. On record, Paper Route are all about the keyboards and mixing soulful vocals with '80s New Wave—most effectively in “Be Healed.” Meanwhile, the guitars are muted, save for the jangly and distorted bursts on “Wish.” Overall, the album’s slight lack of edits (each song languishes about for maybe a minute too long) and the programmed feel to the tracks prevent it from converting “promising” into “mini-masterpiece.” Fans of the Postal Service, Coldplay and (obscure '90s alert!) Satchel, however, may be smitten.
 
Did you know? Speaking of that earlier EP we raved about—the band’s best track, “You Kill Me,” is inexplicably available there but not on “Absence” (whereas that EP's so-so title track is reprised on this new record). Go download now.

Add a comment