Paging Raymond showcases
enjoyable, fun music
pieces
Local band uses music
to depict stories about
life
By Quinn Kirsch
Staff
Writer
 It
is nice to see a local independent band do well, as many local musicians
find it difficult to be discovered in the vastness of the Midwest.
Paging Raymond’s second album, "Please.
Quiet. Recording," is a testament to how good a local band can
be without causing much stir, even in its hometown of Indianapolis.
Each song on the album displays considerable musical
skill. The genre can best be described as Roots-rock. Sometimes it sounds
like R.E.M. and other times it sounds like Counting Crows or Barenaked
Ladies. Paging Raymond intertwines guitars, mandolins, harmonica, organ
and piano to produce a full feel-good sound.
Although the musical talent is obvious, the lyrics
make this album complete. The major theme of the album is very reflective,
and in each of the songs, the vocals tell captivating stories, which
produce several memorable songs.
"Alibi" describes the story of two best
friends who have since fallen apart and must separate as they grow older.
This song is a perfect example on how easy it is to understand the group's
music on a personal level. The vocals are clear and very understandable,
which makes it easy to sing along with this album.
"Was it cold living in the shadow/Glad to
see you finally broke away/I can see you come into your own now/And
now you’re gonna fly away," are words heard during the CD.
The final song on the album, "Parcel"
begins telling a story of a lost love. Part of the lyrics say, "She
said ‘You shouldn’t be here.' Then I go. It’s hard to
be anywhere anymore." The song features a mandolin along with a harmonica,
which give the song a serene feel.
Lead singer Aaron Adelsbarger finds serenity with
his loss, as the album comes to the end.
"I haven’t needed you in so long. I don’t
need you anymore. And I don’t need to call," he sings.
In "Colorado," the other lead singer,
Tim Wilsbach, sings a sad song about losing friends over the years and
moving on with his life. Though the melody of this song is among the
best on the album, this song is an example how many of the songs are
written from a very adult perspective, which at times makes it difficult
for some to associate with the more mature topics.
The first song on the album opens with the song,
"23 Miles," which is almost the same as a clap-along song
such as "Shiny Happy People" type music that can be very enjoyable
at times, but at other times, it can just be annoying.
"Disappear" is another example of a song
that just is not as attractive. It begins with vocals and a snare drumbeat,
which is reminiscent of a bad John Mellencamp cover song and moves into
another sad song about growing old and moving on with life.
Regardless of the recurring themes, Paging Raymond
definitely has several radio-worthy hits on this album, especially for
a fan of adult contemporary rock.
· For a list of local shows in the Indianapolis
area, go to www.pagingraymond.com.
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