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If anyone ever drafts a list of rock critic clichés “There’s a little something for everyone” will most likely make the Top 10.
However, one would be hard pressed not to think this while listening to the debut release from Vancouver’s Paint. From the introspective folk-pop of the opening track ‘Fifteen’ to the groovy funk of ‘The Write Thing’, there truly is something here to satisfy every musical taste.
It’s all held together by frontman Fretless’ strong vocals. He can sing in hushed tones one minute, the best example of this is the disc’s gorgeous standout, ‘The Open Road’ before switching to a full on swagger that would make James Brown proud, particularly on the George Clinton influenced ‘Flygroove’.
While the band’s bio may claim they are out to show there’s “more to Vancouver than dream-pop”, a couple songs definitely fall squarely into the indie rock category, namely ‘Open Your Eyes’ and the 70s-style rock of ‘Remembrance Day”.
Urban Folk Talesis a truly unique first effort from a band that, if we can use another critical cliché, definitely bears watching.
-Andrew Horan, August 8, 2005 - Scene and Heard
In a world that is constantly on the go, it takes time to sit down and appreciate the smooth and soulful message of Paint's "Urban Folk Tales." Singer-songwriter Fretless is backed by a cello, a three-piece horn section, saturated with layers upon layers of acoustic and electric guitars, and a variety of percussion instruments, all to create a very diverse and intellectual sound. Paint seeks to combine pop, ska, funk, reggae, hip-hop, and folk with lyrics that scream out for a new generation to step forward, learn, and take care of the world around us. Homosexual rights, religious persecution, and prison abolition are only a few of the topics covered in this elegant and contemplative record. Although "Urban Folk Tales" is intriguing, those who just love to rock won't find what they're looking for here. Paint is for older audiences who have grown out of the angst-ridden bubble that many teenagers have yet to escape.
Fave Track: "The Open Road"
- June 24, 2004 - Youthink Magazine
...the soulful shuffle "Death Row" and the rueful opener "Fifteen", the band conjures up a perfectly pleasant, dusky-summer vibe with well-placed cello, warm backup vocals, and laid-back acoustic grooves... these funky tunes sound like an American abstract artist fronting the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
- August 26, 2004 - The Georgia Straight
Paint, demonstrating an ironic depth with the disc's title...bring the country "downtown", fusing timeless subjects with modern instruments and performances to form something different...Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Lou Reed and Suzanne Vega did it...incorporating a collage of styles to represent the melting-pot that is American culture.
- September 23, 2004 - Splendid Magazine
It's always a treat when artists incorporate everyday sounds in their music...melodically ear-pleasing rhythms...harmonic beauty of the female vocalist...this band may just make it in the urban world.
- July 12, 2004 - The Peak
Discography
"Urban Folk Tales" (Independent, May 2004)
Showcase International 2005 (Chromium Records Compilation, March 2005)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Urban Folk Tales, PAINTs carefully-crafted debut CD, has elevated the band to top ten status on college radio charts across North America, as well as critical acclaim in print media and music webzines.
In January 2005, PAINT signed a marketing agreement with the UK-based Chromium Records, a subsidiary of E3 Records. A compilation album, Showcase International 2005, featuring PAINTs Open Your Eyes, was released in March, and PAINT has quickly become a fan favourite.
Urban Folk Tales presents a revolutionary image of the next wave of music. Accessible to the masses, while rebelling against them at the same time, PAINT is the perfect bridge between indie and mainstream. The bands energetic live performance, both memorable and moving, can be seen in Canadian and U.S. tours in 2005.
Formed in Vancouver in 2001, PAINT has a mature, colourful, and eclectic sound; a unique blend of folk, funk, rock, classical, and R&B influences that merge into a distinct, coherent, and recognizable style. Urban Folk Tales is the emotional and intellectual expression of the bands artistic depth. Written as a concept album, each song stands high on its own, as well as within the context of the musical journey that takes the listener through the Motown-fueled grooves of White Sheep, the picturesque pop soundscapes of The Open Road, the 70s-style rock of Remembrance Day, a funk groove inspired The Write Thing, the dark beauty of Madonna, and the acoustically lush Soil. Lyrically, PAINT tackles todays socially-relevant themes such as prison abolition, womens and gay rights, race relations, and religious persecution. Their nothing is sacred approach to lyrics mirrors their attitude towards music.
Urban Folk Tales was produced by Peacemaker Records co-founder and veteran international reggae artist Shuggy Milligan (Love n Life, Things n Times, featuring Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare), and mixed by Caleb Stull (Hinterland, Parlour Steps, The Front, Windows 78).
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