Nashville natives Paper Route released their new album “The Peace of Wild Things” on Tuesday.
Formed in 2004, Paper Route’s indie pop rock stirred a quiet following that grew steadily as the band received more exposure. After previous musical ventures fell apart, the three founding members — JT Daly, vocalist, keyboardist and percussionist; Andy Smith, vocalist, guitarist and harmonica player; Chad Howat, bassist, pianist, and programmer and drummer Gavin McDonald came together while attending Greenville College to give the music biz another go.
Two years later, the band released its first self-titled EP. Paper Route proceeded to release a Christmas EP and then two years later released “Are We All Forgotten,” another EP that featured songs that would eventually be used in their first full-length album.
The year of 2009 was a good year for Paper Route. The guys signed with Universal Records and released their first album on a major record label in April of that year. The album, titled “Absence,” did decidedly well for a fairly unknown band and even reached Billboards “Heatseekers” chart.
Although the band somehow managed to stay out of the mainstream, their extensive touring was where they garnered a huge following. Paper Route has toured with Paramore, Passion Pit, Owl City, Lights and Copeland, and they have wowed crowds with their unique sound and memorable performances.
Paper Route released another EP following their debut, this time a remix, on Universal Motown Records. Paper Route then stepped away from the touring scene and decided to move forward with another album. However, before the album could get off the ground, co-founder Andy Smith left the band. An amicable split, Smith’s departure was still a heavy blow. To make matters worse, the band encountered various problems with their Universal Motown Records label, which brought their sophomore album to a standstill.
Frustrated and unsure of what to do, Daly, Howat and McDonald persisted and finally left the label. The next problem they faced was how to back their second studio album without the support of a major label. More frustration ensued, especially since the album was ready for release. The band kept fans aware of their situation by constantly updating their site www.paperrouteonline.com. Months later, the band released their second album through its own, independent label Tree of Hearts, and Paper Route hasn’t looked back since.
The official single off the album, “Better Life,” was released a year ago, but still marks a momentous step forward for the band. The track assuaged fans that although Andy Smith had left, Daly, Howat and McDonald were still connected to the sound that they had solidified in their first album. It stays within their unique synth indie-pop sound and exemplifies Daly’s strong vocals. The tune and lyrics are extremely catchy, which proves that Paper Route can still create a solid song. An ode to their knack for experimenting with different sounds and genres, the beat of the song is reminiscent of 90s R&B and adds another unique flair to their first single. When the song emerged last year, it provided a glimpse of what was to come and now that the album is out, “Better Life” proved that their sophomore album would not be a disappointment.
Another great track off the album that has been released as another single is “You and I.” The song utilizes the security of the sound they stamped out in “Absence,” but the band makes it its own by giving the track a heavier drum beat. The vocal layering on the track adds even more depth to the song and gives it an extra dose of catchy. The chorus of the song goes back to the R&B style heard in “Better Life,” and the lyrics are outrageously fluid and are entwined into the song flawlessly to create one beautiful piece of music. A brilliant choice by the band to follow up the first single, this track is a testament to Daly, Howat and McDonald’s talent.
“Letting You Let Go” is one of the best tracks on the album. The lyrics are finely crafted, and although they are catchy, they aren’t overly cheesy. It’s a bittersweet track, and the rhythm of the song exemplifies that feeling. The synth is back in full force on this track (although it never really goes missing in any track off the album) and brings the song to a solid ten. Daly’s vocals are extraordinary on this track and showcase his vocal talent.
In entirety, “The Peace of Wild Things” is a departure from what was heard in “Absence.” However, the band does maintain those strengths of theirs — lyrical mastery, strong vocals and the power of synth. Paper Route’s sophomore album is a valiant effort and a must-hear album. It’s experimental in all the right places and utilizes Daly’s powerhouse vocals wisely. Although the band creates some amazing studio tunes, the testament to their abilities comes from their live performances. Their stage presence and musical talent demand attention, and it’s difficult not to get swept up by their music. And it just so happens that Paper Route is on tour. They hit Los Angeles Oct. 25 and would be well worth checking out in person.
