FEBRUARY 2010 ONLINE EDITORIALS

Paean - Songs for Us to Sing

album cover

By Molly McCowan

Paean is what all indie bands attempt to be: creative, collaborative, contemplative. Imagine if Gogol Bordello’s calmer, quieter (but still somewhat rambunctious) brother got together with Modest Mouse’s poetic little sister and they had a wonderfully indie baby. Songs for Us to Sing would be that baby, complete with tiny messenger bag and a miniature fixie bike.
But all laughs aside, this is a richly layered album; a musical tapestry woven with interesting sounds and dimensions, complete with heartfelt crescendos and truthful lyrics. Dave Maddocks provides his signature raspy voice to many of the songs, giving them a gritty sound that makes lyrics like “I can still taste the words coming off your tongue” avoid cliché and ring true.
All the songs on the album are strong, but among my favorites is the opening track, “Most Comfortable of Graves.” The song opens with Maddocks accompanied by a haunting violin melody and works into a full-blown theatrical event with the entire band singing their hearts out. “Floyd Brown” also evolves into a rousing finale sung by multiple band members, and it’s this quality that reminds me most of Gogol Bordello. Other songs, like “Cut Open,” have a softer sound, but remain infused with musical movement and feeling.
Songs for Us to Sing as an album remains truthful and to the point, well thought-out but not overly structured. Paean has been successful in creating a unique sound that appeals to many without losing the eclectic edge that makes them tick.
myspace.com/paeanco