Papa Vs Pretty - United In Isolation (Album)

Papa Vs Pretty began as the bedroom music project of then fifteen year old frontman Thomas Rawle in 2006 and in 2008 they became the three piece outfit they currently are today. They have created quite a stir over the last few years in their native Sydney and are renowned for their impressive musicianship onstage. They began with a sound that mixed indie and electronic elements while they are now firmly an alternative rock outfit.

Their debut, ‘United in Isolation’ has received overwhelmingly positive reviews and garnered much support from Triple J radio who also gave the album nine out of ten. Listening to an album after reading several overly positive reviews can be a recipe for disaster and somewhat of a let down. Listening to Papa Vs Pretty’s debut album, I was still blown away by the quality of the young musicians. The entire disc is full of brilliant tracks. While some of them do not suit becoming singles they are all of immense quality.

‘One of The Animals’ has been the most played on the radio, and it is a brilliant track. Full of brilliant guitar hooks and slick lyrics. To say it is a stand out song would be a mistake, because there isn’t really any stand outs, just when you think there is one, the next track is just as good. Usually saying an album is even is a way of saying everything sounds the same. In this case, this album is even in quality, but the content is extremely varied.

The album begins strongly with ‘Life’s Got A Hold On Me’, which is the “rockiest” track on the record. Despite its heaviness you still notice the quality of Rawle’s impressive vocals. Just how impressive is showcased later on in a wide varieties of different types of songs. ‘I Felt Nothing’ is the main song that shows off the impressive vocal work. Somewhat of a chameleon Rawle manages to sound like Sid O’Neil from The Vasco Era on the track. As the song goes along it goes from being rather minimalistic to very atmospheric as an organ beautifully backs up Angus Gardiner’s intricate guitar work.

‘Conquistador’ is another great track, and is home to some of Tom Myers’ impressive drumming. This song, like the entire album, shows such variance and goes from heavy to light and slow effortlessly and to much enjoyment. Even though it is a studio album, you still get a feeling for how tight the band are. ‘Darkest Way’ is undeniably catchy and again so different to any song as the album just continues to throw up surprises.

I would not hesitate in saying Papa Vs Pretty’s debut is one of the best albums of the year and certainly the best debut I’ve heard in recent memory. Do not be put off by the album cover, looking at it I expected it to be much heavier. Make no mistake, big things are in store for these boys, and despite only just listening to their debut, I’m already looking forward to their sophomore release.

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