Paper Tongues is a new band with a fresh new sound. Yes, I’m aware that such platitudes are bestowed upon any new artist that makes an impact on the charts. The problem is that Paper Tongues have made no such impact. And that’s a good thing.

Debut albums can make or break a band. Years down the line it can be remembered as the shining jewel in an illustrious career, or it can become a cheap frisbee which once yielded a catchy single. Paper Tongues are somewhere in between. Like so many others, this collection of 10 songs has its ups and downs; however, it demonstrates the band’s uncanny ability to merge different genres and make some catchy tunes which will get you moving.

Lead single “Ride to California” is a stomper of a rock track in the vein of Maroon 5 or Crash Kings. Singer Aswan North swoons, croons, and moves through this track with one hell of a sexy attitude, and you find yourself swaying along in his wake. Second single “Trinity” fuses a clean hip-hop beat, a rock melody, and a soul sensibility. It’s a stellar track and plays out like an anthem.

The strongest track of the bunch is probably “Get Higher”. It’s a godly song, literally, but not in a preachy Christian band kind of way. Once again, singer Aswan North sings with such conviction that you can’t help get lost in his anguish. Another notable track is “Rich and Poor”, which is a street wise song bordering on rap-rock. Closing track “Love Like You” is rousing ode to heartache and gives Paper Tongues an almost big-band feel.

Overall, it’s a mellifluous concoction of melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and spotless production. The band pulls it off well. Aswan North is a gifted singer and the range and styles he has in his armament is phenomenal. The rest of the band is on equal footing. The guitars are clean, the drums beats are infectious, and the keys help raise many tracks to new heights. However, the only drawback is that there are a couple of boring tracks (“Soul”; “Strongest Flame”). With a ten track album there should be no room for filler. It’s something worth noting for the next album. How much someone will like this album is dependent upon their personal tastes. One thing is certain: there is plenty of good stuff on offer here.