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An EP is generally this first CD put out by a band that's attempting
to stake their claim in the music industry. It's a way to introduce
yourself and give people a chance to see what you might have to
offer. Well, my mailbox was recently graced with the EP of a band
by the name of Paper Rival. And as an introduction goes,
this is an excellent one.
Their music is beautiful in its own way. There's nothing too
complex or confusing to figure out. The music on this CD is clean-cut,
and clearly resonates from your stereo. The beats beckon a slight
movement of the body; just enough to keep you awake for the experience.
I really hate to label this band as emo, because when I think
emo I think either Dashboard Confessional or, on the harder
side, Hawthorne Heights. No, these guys are more ambient
morphed with rock. They mix the harmonies and emotions that you
would see out of a band like As Tall As Lions with the
variety of tempos, tones and even character of someone more like
Snow Patrol. The vocalist Jake seems to have found
an excellent medium. He's powerful enough to evoke something from
his audience, yet doesn't push it too far. I think my favorite
song on the EP is the first, "Alabama." From the very
beginning you get a chance to hear the range of Jake's voice and
how elementary peaceful it can be. The drums are actually the
main instrument, which carry you through this song. And with lyrics
like "hopelessly yours Alabama," this is an excellent
song. They end it off with a song similar to the tempo with which
the CD started; "Pacing The Cage" has a little element
that makes it quite an interesting song. If you listen closely
you realize that it is hands clapping in the background. Sure,
there are other instruments that play their part but they are
a cello, a piano, and a little bit of guitar and a tad percussion.
Perhaps another reason for an EP is to make your fans, or future
fans, anticipate the release of your full-length album, to perhaps
lock in a few guaranteed record sales before that album is even
released. That's definitely what this EP did for me. I cannot
wait for their full-length album to be released. I was introduced
to them and I want more... more of this amazing music that's coming
out of Nashville.
-Rachel Fredrickson
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