Album Review: S/T By Paper Tongues
By Paul Gibson | July 17th, 2010 | Posted In Album Review
March 30, 2010
{A&M/Octone}
Describing Paper Tongues has to be one of the hardest tasks I have ever been charged with. I have been jamming this album for well over a month and a half tying to get up the nerve to make any sort of comparison that would make any sense at all. They are rock to be sure, and they do have elements of hip-hop. Now see, I already know everyone is starting to mentally steer toward bands like Limp Bizkit, early P.O.D. or even Linkin Park. To put these guys in the same genre just doesn’t work. Imagine, if you will, taking a really good indie rock band, mixing them with a good alternative band, and have them write songs with a hip-hop enthusiast. Strange I know.
They always have a hint of hip-hop but to varying degrees. About half of the tracks utilize the hip-hop vocals to an extent, “Ride To California,” and “Rich And Poor,” especially, the rest of the album only hints at it.
Now that I have made them sound like a mythical creature that surely can’t really exist, let’s talk about some songs.
“Ride To California,” inspired by the journey their lead singer took to get to Cali to try to get signed by Randy Jackson (yes that Randy Jackson), is upbeat, fun, and an altogether original sound. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind if their entire album sounded like this.
“Trinity,” is a more mainstream alternative rock song that couldn’t sound more different from “Ride To California.” Relying on singing rather than rhyming, Trinity feels slightly more ordinary by comparison, but even so it is a solid song.
“For The People” is a great inspiring anthem built on a danceable drum beat. It also has bits of rhythmic flavor, making it a fun listen.
As far as slower tracks “Higher” really takes the cake, it has an up-lifting vibe I really enjoy with a nice souring chorus, and strangely enough it reminds me of the Eric Champion song of the same name.
I really enjoyed this album but I will admit that it took me a while to really get into it. Aswan North’s vocals are truly unique and his ability to use it in a variety of styles throughout makes this album a winner.
~Paul Gibson
Favorite Tracks:
Ride To California
Everybody
For The People
Higher
Rich And Poor
