Paper Route : Absence

<img src="http://www.qromag.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/paperrouteabsenceSm.jpg" alt="Paper Route : Absence" />Look out, alt-rockers get clever with computers. ...
Paper Route
7.8 Motown
2009 

As they did so well on their Are We All Forgotten EP (review), Nashville rockers Paper Route drench a high-flying alt-rock vibe in a wash of electronics on their debut album, Absence.  It’s a clever take on the pop-driven rock that’s filled radios since the mid-90’s thanks to the darker edge the band achieves while delivering heart-felt, straight-forward lyrics.

With the unapologetic density that dominates Absence, the band are able to channel a sharp poignancy on each track.  From the rolling, fuzzy wash of the opener "Enemy Among Us" to the highly-energetic, soaring "Wish" and "Carousel" to the endearingly futuristic finishers "Lover’s Anthem" and Dance On Our Graves", the album has a wide array of moods all kept in focus by a nothing less than rare ability to mix staples of popular rock and electronics that have, until now, lived in separate worlds.  Multi-textured rock guitars go along effortlessly with synth arrangements, drums made from non-existant materials, and vocals & lyrics that have Top 40 written all over them.

In a world where more and more artists experiment with being a "crossover", Paper Route quietly pull it off with grace.  Absence is rich with gripping melodies and arrangements, and electronic rock has a new niche carved in it thanks to it.

MP3 Stream: "Enemy Among Us"

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