Paper Route - Absence

[Steve Henderson]

Paper Route – Absence
Release Date: April 28, 2009
Record Label: Universal

I hate to say, I am extremely grateful for bands like Paper Route. I mean, just look at all the Cobra Starships and such out there – intent on turning the synth into a kitschy antiquity – as obsolete and gimmicky as the keytar, used only for novelty and pulp. Paper Route seem to take issue with this sort of relegation, and thankfully so. This Nashville-bred band seems out to prove that synth-pop can be weighty, layered, and above all, meaningful. Absence is the sort of record that takes this up like a position paper, and argues it right where the group’s last two EPs left off.

Of course, while they might be champions of a noble cause, Paper Route are far from infallible. Absence is a good record, to be sure, but it stumbles along at various points throughout the course of its twelve tracks. The songs tend to be subjected to questionable decision-making that dulls their indented impact, and that of the record overall. The opener, “Enemy Among Us,” is a spacey, moody sort of tune, but it feels like the track languishes in that fogginess instead of escalating to something more noteworthy. Granted, the effect is better received with headphones, but it is still a little sedate for casual consumption. Thankfully, Paper Route snaps out of it right after that, “Wish” is a well-developed soft/loud contrast piece that confidently walks the line between modern and eighties-minded retro-throwback rock. “Carousel,” conversely, is much more concussive and modern, but ends up being held back by a floating softball of a chorus.

Absence switches gears with the gorgeous and affecting “Good Intentions,” which despite being extremely deliberate and arguably unoriginal (where have I heard this melody before?), is still a haunting killer of a cut. After that, though, “Tiger Teeth” doubles back to the turf of earlier glam-ish numbers, incorporating another catchy hook marred only by a grating pre-chorus. And if the “so I try-try-try…” of "Tiger Teeth" got on your nerves, the overly dramatic “whoo-hoo-oooh” of “Be Healed” will have the same wet blanket effect on an otherwise poignant composition. The album gains traction towards the end with the unexpectedly gritty (but entirely satisfying) “Gutter” and majestic sweep of “Lover’s Anthem,” but it is not enough to erase earlier foibles. It’s like having a hell of a run on fourth and ten, realizing you only got eight yards on the play.

Now, it might sound like I am being overly and unnecessarily harsh on Paper Route. Because by all accounts, Absence is still a good record. It is, however, frustrating because it could have been re-jiggered just slightly to make a borderline great record. The band certainly has a lot of personality inherent in their sound, with strong instincts in dance, rock, and atmospheric indie arenas. It’s just that when they try to pull it all together, something gets lost in the stew. Wine connoisseurs know - mix together the right grapes in the right quantities, and you can have a truly memorable blend. Mess up one arm of the equation, though, and you see how tenuous the balance can be.


Elkland, Innerpartysystem, Lydia, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Mute Math, Rock Kills Kid

[FullCollaspe]

I would give it a much higher score, probaly around 85% But still good review Steve

[cscwell107]

I would prolly give it a score in the 80s but I agree with most of your opinions.

[Shakriel]

Good cd, been listening to it consistently since it was released. Good review.

[Jeremy Aaron]

Nice review, Steve. I really thought this was an excellent record, though. It might not have been a touchdown, but nearing the end of the record, there was no need to go for it on fourth down - they were already in field goal range.

[HometownHero]

Im not feeling the Innerpartysystem RIYL vibe at all. Fantastic record though. I would have given it at least an 80. At the least. Good review though

[bmoore09]

i would rate it an 84 myself but well written review nonetheless.

[Blake Solomon]

Nice review, Steve. I really thought this was an excellent record, though. It might not have been a touchdown, but nearing the end of the record, there was no need to go for it on fourth down - they were already in field goal range.
is this a metaphor?????


ilu

[EveryNewDay]

I agree with a couple of your points, but I think overall they did an amazing job on this record especially while producing it themselves. Maybe an outside ear would've tweaked a couple things, but a great debut from a very talented band. For what its worth, their live show is stellar and the songs you have issue with come across better in person.

[Cardhouse]

"And if the “so I try-try-try…” of "Tiger Teeth" got on your nerves, the overly dramatic “whoo-hoo-oooh” of “Be Healed” will have the same wet blanket effect on an otherwise poignant composition."

Spot on.

[InBetweenAisles]

This was a good CD. I liked it.

[-ben]

I can't believe you didn't even mention "Dance On Our Graves," the best song on the record, but hit every other one. I completely disagree about your opinion on "Wish" and "Enemy Among Us." But it is your opinion, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. Have you seen this band live yet?

[jtjt43]

I would've given it a slightly higher score, maybe an 80? But this was a well written and well thought out review, as always Steve.

[Inaction]

Pretty spot on. The few little missteps make it a solid if not slightly disappointing record for me. "Gutter" is perfect though.

[ffadam]

I'd have gave this an 82-84 but I really do enjoy this album. The part about the pre-chorus in 'Tiger Teeth' doesn't irritate me, it makes that song for me as it gets stuck in my head.

Well written review Steve though! As always, high standard.

[Romancebled]

this album is very enjoyable. probably one of my favorites of the year so far.

[topher465]

Tiger Teeth is just awful. Terrible electronic drums. But the rest of the record kills. I love "Gutter." Where's the mention of "Dance On Our Graves?" Tate would have you in shackles if he saw this! ;-)

[DanielJames]

I would rate the album a little higher like some others have said here, but overall it's a great review.

[Kbm600]

I agree that the score would have been higher if it was me, but good review. I'm glad this album is recognized for being good at very least. One of my top five's of the year. This band is also amazing to see live.

[Steve Henderson]

I can't believe you didn't even mention "Dance On Our Graves," the best song on the record, but hit every other one. I completely disagree about your opinion on "Wish" and "Enemy Among Us." But it is your opinion, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. Have you seen this band live yet?
Nope, I definitely want to, though.

[Brett3]

Love this album so much.

[Jamos4184]

I agree that "Enemy Among Us" is somewhat of an unconventional album opener, but no more so than, say, "Say You Will" from Kanye's 808s. It's still a decent track.

I am one of those who is annoyed by "Tiger Teeth", I usually skip right over it, but oddly enough, I really enjoy "Be Healed".

This guys definitely deserve more recognition.

[thepianominstre]

Never listened to these guys before but I'm streaming it on myspace now and I like it, which doesn't usually happen when I check out new bands through AP (Still trying to get into Portugal and Grizzly but I just get bored...)

I see that Mutemath reference, and I'm feeling a bit of a Muse influence on "Carousels" with that chugging guitar and the ringing upper piano keys... Hmm.. and "Tiger Teeth" is taking me to back to some of that older Jonezetta I used to like so much...

[grace317]

Great review -- definitely agree with the bit about Tiger Teeth as well, but it's still an enjoyable track for me. I have gone for days listening to this record non-stop -- definitely racking up the play counts on my itunes.

Saw the band last month in a small-ish venue, but it had a great vibe. The boys know how to put on a show! Amazing... too bad I didn't stick around for the acoustic session after they were done the full band set.

[theguilt engine]

Great review -- definitely agree with the bit about Tiger Teeth as well, but it's still an enjoyable track for me. I have gone for days listening to this record non-stop -- definitely racking up the play counts on my itunes.

Saw the band last month in a small-ish venue, but it had a great vibe. The boys know how to put on a show! Amazing... too bad I didn't stick around for the acoustic session after they were done the full band set.
That's badass. I want to see them live pretty badly--hopefully this fall sometime.

[emmx8D]

Maybe I would've given it around an 83-83%, but awesome review, most of it was spot on

Paper Route is awesome, I always love seeing them. Their songs give a totally different (but awesome) feel when you hear them live.

[theguilt engine]

this might end up being in my top 5 this year.

"Last Time"
"Are We All Forgotten"
"Wish"
"Carousel"
"Enemy Among Us"
"Good Intentions"

all of those songs are just so good.

[TSLROCKS]

Agree completely with this review. The intensity of this record didn't nearly match up with seeing them live. I saw them live with Copeland before hearing a single thing about them and I was absolutely blown away. Put on a fantastic performance. But coming back from the show and listening to the album it felt like I was listening to a different band

[0101]

Saw these guys open for Paramore and really enjoyed them. Good review.

[fightoffyrdmns]

I love Tiger Teeth, this album and this band- particularly live.

[Colto0824]

I felt the exact same way about this record when I first heard it. Then I saw them live the other week. They killed it. I liked the album but I LOVE their live show. Even if you don't care for them too much if you get the chance to see them live, don't pass it up. Even the songs that I didn't like at all on the record(i.e Tiger Teeth), I enjoyed thoroughly live.

[M-House]

i agree with the review for the most part, but you didn't even mention the best song on the album, "Are We All Forgotten."

[Nick Gerli]

I think the CD deserves a higher score, mid 80s probably. This album strikes me as very fresh and dynamic.

And btw, Mew would be a very good comparable.

[NervousDestiny]

I saw Paper Route last summer opening for Paramore and they were fantastic. I'm pretty sure they played Tiger Teeth live (or the song was just weirdly familar to me when I first heard it on the album) and now I love that song. This album is fantastic I've listened to it more times than I can count and I am definitely not tired of it.

[Gregory Robson]

You never disappoint when you review. Such a breath of fresh air. I heart your writing.

[Steve Henderson]

You never disappoint when you review. Such a breath of fresh air. I heart your writing.
Thanks brother - I really appreciate that.

[TalkShowsOnMute]

Really good review. I would have given the album a few points higher, but I think all the issues you addressed were fair. Great band, hopefully more people will check them out after reading your review.

[Jeremy Aaron]

is this a metaphor?????


ilu
I guess so. I just intercepted it from Steve, though.

[Steve Henderson]

I guess so. I just intercepted it from Steve, though.
Your reply did not fumble at all.

[Jeremy Aaron]

Your reply did not fumble at all.
Cheers to taking this analogy into overtime.

[superBMRuth]

time for "who ripped off who?"!!!!

http://i28.tinypic.com/2jg13sz.png

VS.
https://sites.google.com/a/weheartmusic.com/vu/_/rsrc/1240376394713/reviews/paper-route---absence-2009/Paper%20Route.jpg

[Jeremy Aaron]

time for "who ripped off who?"!!!!

http://i28.tinypic.com/2jg13sz.png

VS.
https://sites.google.com/a/weheartmusic.com/vu/_/rsrc/1240376394713/reviews/paper-route---absence-2009/Paper%20Route.jpg
It's just a red background. It isn't like this (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1000892).

[silentone]

time for "who ripped off who?"!!!!

http://i28.tinypic.com/2jg13sz.png

VS.
https://sites.google.com/a/weheartmusic.com/vu/_/rsrc/1240376394713/reviews/paper-route---absence-2009/Paper%20Route.jpg
I'm highly convinced that neither of these bands have even HEARD of each other. Though Project has developed themselves quite nicely along the way. The last 2 minuets of project 86's final song on the record is the most important 2 minuets in their career. It's epic.

Paper Route is a great band. I have their ep AND the record. Incredible sounds.

[superBMRuth]

i just think it's funny that two bands released records that have solid red covers with small white text within a few weeks of each other. i'm sure it's just a coincidence.

[ExplodingStereo]

Wow, in the 70's? This album's most likely going to be in my Top 3, absolutely love it. I would have given a high 80.

[ExplodingStereo]

I'm highly convinced that neither of these bands have even HEARD of each other. Though Project has developed themselves quite nicely along the way. The last 2 minuets of project 86's final song on the record is the most important 2 minuets in their career. It's epic.

Paper Route is a great band. I have their ep AND the record. Incredible sounds.
I actually saw Project 86 this weekend and laughed when I saw that album cover. It's the exact shade of red and everything as Paper Route's, although their vinyl cover for the album is different (black with two red skeletons w/ arms around each other's shoulders)

[loj]

loving the sports metaphors.

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Seems as if I liked this record more than you Steve :shrug:

[of confidence]

It definitely deserves a higher rating but it's a good review, regardless.

[Steve Henderson]

Seems as if I liked this record more than you Steve :shrug:
Yeah, I noticed that.

[-ben]

Nope, I definitely want to, though.
It's one of the best experiences you'll ever have

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Yeah, I noticed that.
I have yet to listen to the new Anchor or Sleeping at last records but I'm hoping we will find common ground there haha.

[dru]

im really enjoying this record, as of now id probably give this somewhere around an 83-86

[Gaberuski]

i love tiger teeth. i love repetition.

how was Last Time not mentioned? that WHOLE song is bursting with all that is great in a song.

love Paper Route, and i am super excited (as i think everyone is) about whatever they come up with next.