Paperboy (Photo Credit: Paperboy's Facebook Page)
Paperboy are set to release their sophomore album, The News, on December 3rd. The Vernon-based soulful prog rockers are well-known on the local circuit, and their energetic live shows are spoke of fondly by many. The News is the follow up to 2010’s debut release, First Week on the Job. While the album doesn’t officially drop for a few more days, Paperboy very kindly sent me an advanced copy of the album, so for the last little bit The News has been getting some significant airplay in my life. That’s not likely to change now that this review is in the archives.
Put simply, the whole album is a triumph. If you like mesmerising vocals accompanied by quality guitar and drum work, you’ll enjoy this album multiple times over. Paperboy’s lead-singer, Luke Mortenson, is a very expressive vocalist, yet whether he’s subtly caressing lyrics or enthusiastically crashing them into your ear drums, his vocal quality remains consistent. This combined with rich, vibrant instrumentals makes The News an eight-track trip that you’ll be happy to take time and time again. There’s a really strong rhythm to the album, with conviction flowing from the drums of Cameron Lutz and the bass of Braeden Otter. This healthy rhythm not only compliments Mortenson’s vocals, but has the power to carry you along as you find yourself nodding or tapping away.
As is to be expected with an album from Paperboy, there’s a real nostalgic, old-time rock ‘n’ roll charm to the sound on The News, but there’s a contemporary twist too. Think Jack White meets Ritchie Valens via way of an introduction from Muddy Waters. There are a number of lovely melodies that shine on the album too. All in all, The News is a memorable release. Songs such as “Somebody Call the Fire Department” or “Voices” would not sound out of place in rotation on Vancouver’s The PEAK 102.7 or a similar station.
While the whole record is strong, standout tracks for me include:
“City at Dawn/Canary”: The opening track on The News really showcases the calibre of lead singer Mortenson’s vocals as well as the overall depth of the Paperboy sound. The delightful vocals start gently before developing increasing power. The five-minute plus song centres around the refrain “job to do, got a job to do”, which is a great way to start the album, as the band certainly do their job of making excellent music. Keep an ear out for the very tidy bass work towards the end of the song.
“Somebody Call the Fire Department”: This song has already been released, and it is probably my favourite song on the entire album. A fun and charming love song, it is built around the idea of a romance so hot the Fire Department is called. “Somebody Call…” borrows the iconic riff from Otis Redding’s “(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay.” Again, Mortenson’s vocals are excellent. This album is so hot somebody might call the Fire Department!
Listen to “Somebody Call the Fire Department” here:
“Voices”: For the most part, “Voices” is a mellow song, but it does have a blast of energy as well. The introduction to the song features some tight drum work from Lutz. Mortenson’s vocals smoulder on this one too. It's a thoroughly enjoyable tune that has a real polish to it.
Another solid track from The News, “El Scorpiones”, which features the talents of JoyfulDoor’s James Balehowsky, earned the band a video grant earlier in 2013. The band also released the track as a single earlier this year as well, donating all of the proceeds from the sale of the single to cancer research.
The News was recorded and mixed by Sean Perdue/Half Capo Productions and mastered by Brock Macfarlane/CPS Mastering. As you might have guessed, I highly recommend buying the album when it is released on Tuesday. It’s only $7!
Paperboy are having a CD release party at Fernando’s Pub on Thursday, December 5th. The show starts at 9pm. JoyfulDoor are also on the bill.
If you’d like to learn more about Paperboy, I interviewed Luke and Cameron earlier this year.
Do you want to contact Vince? E-mail him at: vincent@kelownanow.com or connect with him on Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn. You can also catch Vince talking music on CBC Radio West as an on-air music columnist.
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