Paper Rival is an upstart indie pop band from Nashville that is (with only an EP to their name) already making quite a splash. Their sparkling & clean-toned sound has an obvious nu-emo influence (think Taking Back Sunday lite) that is easy on the ears without being too watered down. Vocalist Jake Rolleston belts out some seriously soaring vocal lines that he never quite pushes over the edge. It is his restraint that (along with subtle but crashing instrumentation from his band mates) that makes this band a little different. Singing instead of screaming; subtlety instead of all-out thrashing. Recommended for fans of New Sense, Paper Rival will reportedly be releasing their debut full-length in February ’08 on Photo Finish Records.

MP3 | Paper Rival – You’re Right S/T EP
MP3 | Paper Rival – Alabama S/T EP

Related posts:

1. Review: Atreyu – Lead Sails Paper Anchor
2. Review: Fight Pretty – Ghosts Along The Brazos
3. Review: Paper The Operator – Solemn Boyz EP
4. Review: The Ackleys – Forget Forget, Derive Derive
5. Can You See Santa From the Southside? (Vol. 4)