Paper Route EP: Reminiscent of the Postal Service, Sigur Ros and Mute Math

What started as a case of insomnia for one individual has become beautifully composed music for the masses. Chad Howat was just struggling to find some rest and so began to hammer out some loops, samples and the skeleton of songs on his laptop. Pretty soon, the rest of the band took shape as various friends were invited over to hear the musical sketches and fill in the blanks.

J.T. Daly and Andy Smith, former bandmates of Howat, became current ones again and together, they formed Paper Route. Even indie singer/songwriter Kate York came over to add some vocals to the mix and it's an impressive one to say the least.

The only downside to this self-titled debut is that it is only six songs. Much in the vein of Mute Math's Reset EP, it leaves the listener wanting much more. And if this is the initial offering, the possibilities seem limitless for this trio?

Why all the hype? Because somehow, Howat and company have managed to combine a simple acoustic foundation to the sampled stylings of Postal Service, the epic tendencies of Sigur Ros, and the chaotic melodies of the aforementioned Mute Math. The result is stunningly brilliant tracks one after the other.

"Second Chances" begins the album with a solo piano intro that builds with syncopated rhythms, double-tracked vocals, and a dark chord progression. York adds the perfect touch, making the song one of the best tracks I've heard in 2006. "Only Words" is marked by harmonies from the Sufjan catalog, fluttering keyboards, and even a harmonica at the end of the piano-laden track.

"Cityscape" is straight from Sigur Ros with the pulsing snare and cymbal dragging you through the morosely haunted landscape marked by minimal instrumentation. Somehow, it's also the most beautiful track on the album.

Paper Route is simply a band that made it's mark on the musical map as dark as it could with its compelling debut. Grab it now and say you knew about them all along.