Summers. Memories. Nostalgia.
Canadian indie band Paper Lions' My Friends screams the above; marking every drumbeat and guitar riff with a gentle probe in the memory bank as they manage to illicit mellow connections with childhood and first discoveries.Whether it be through their catchy and radical melodies, or through the humble and at times humourous lyrics, Paper Lions have managed to create a collection of songs that will summon a smile from any listener.
"I know you are my friend. And if I never met you, I would be different."
I've been a firm supporter and appreciator of Paper Lions for the last year, and was delighted to hear of their new album release. I was even more intrigued when I discovered that a lot of the featuring songs would be rebooted versions of the tracks on their acoustic EP At Long Creek. Although At Long Creek has a special place in my heart with its gentle simplicity, My Friends didn't ruin my love for the songs, but strengthened them instead.
Beginning with ironically light-hearted and catchy "Bodies in The Winter", the album immediately begins on a quirky note. I can't really describe Paper Lions' style other than it being a mixture of The Strokes with Jack Johnson in a bouncy castle with sunglasses and tambourines. The tempo remains cheerful and energised; "Sandcastles" showcasing a more vintage, grainy sound followed by two joyful songs which perfectly capture those warm affections for family and friends in "My Friend" and "Little Liar". The album eventually draws to a close with "My Friends Are Leaving", a slower, bittersweet ending to this carefree childhood of music. However, although I know I can never physically return to those days of youthful smiles, I can replay this beautiful album which transports me back there nevertheless.
As well as being enjoyable on the surface, the lyrics always make me chuckle when I listen to them. Being a band of brothers and childhood friends, the songs and their emotions feel honest and personal. But I also feel like anyone can relate to the story of those early childhood trips to the country and seaside with family friends that My Friends narrates. The lyrics are also artfully imaginative, letting me escaping to "Balance on the rail ties" whilst "The brook runs through the broken arch".
I adore My Friends and I'm glad that it arrived in my hands just when I needed it. Through all my current worries about higher education and adult life, it's elating to be able to take a break from it all and return to the corners of my memories.
Images from Paper Lions' facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/paperlions).
You can listen to My Friends for free on their website at http://paperlions.com/
