Review: The Paperweight Array – Transmissions from a distant star (Released April 10, 2017)

Blasting out of Northhampton, UK comes a new psychedelic trio in the form of The Paperweight Array. The EP Transmissions from a distant star is their debut release.

Things start off with a bang, almost as if we were coming in midway through the title track with a near anthemic chorus, no muss no fuss no introduction. It’s startling, but it sets the tone for what’s to come, and that’s three songs of well written, deftly played psychedelic pop rock. I hear echoes of Syd era Floyd, but the sound here is tighter, less out there, but not in a bad way. The songs are filled with catchy guitar hooks, soaring vocal melodies and gorgeous Byrds style harmonies. Second track, Going Back, does have some intriguing, quirky organ lines that add a bit of an off-kilter feel, but the rhythm section ties it all together and the harmonies shine in the spaces in-between. Corporal Cameo gives us some nice spacey passages and exotic guitar lines, and is probably the trippiest song on the EP, with a twangy, echoing, surf-style guitar solo, but again, it all comes together with its catchy chorus and savvy pop sensibilities.

These are three delicious and memorable tunes that I find myself humming now and then when I’m off doing other things. Now I’m really looking forward to whatever comes next from these guys.

For more info, visit: https://www.facebook.com/The-Paperweight-Array-1283712818388735/ and https://thepaperweightarray.bandcamp.com/