Paper Brain is back after enduring several lineup changes and seemingly no recorded output since their first release in 2007. The self-proclaimed “darkpop” four-piece has unearthed itself with the aptly titled, Begin Again, EP released just last year. Lead singer, Mike, says he took a step back from his micromanagement of the songwriting process to emphasize the creative input of each respective band mate. Echo heavy, mirage-like guitar shimmers over bass lines that sing buoyant and smooth one moment and slam into fuzz-crunching the next. Soaring vocals fall like fine smoke on top of it all while drummer, Phil, (also known from Genders) displays a sense of dynamics that’s sure to make a great live show. Heavy when they need to be while maintaining catchy, melodic integrity, Paper Brain listens like a cup of French press coffee: bold, rich in texture with just enough grit to keep you alert. – Ted Jamison
