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Staff IconPaulson - All at Once (Cover Artwork)

Paulson

All at Once (2005)
One Day Savior

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Contributed by: Anchors
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Published on January 10th 2006


Unfortunately for the label, Onedaysavior seems to be a magnet for bands to release one or two albums before disbanding. Dearly Departed, Kid Brother Collective, and Superstitions of the Sky are all such casualties, but it’s Paulson that’s really giving the label owned by former Skycamefalling singer Christopher Tzompanakis some hope. The band's previous release, Variations hinted at something great to come, and All at Once is that hint finally coming to fruition.

Soaring, gorgeous melodies riding the atmospheric currents of the instrumentation establish an extremely strong base right from the get-go. Gone completely are the abruptly screamed vocals and heavy power chords of old; in are spacey atmospherics and delicate harmonies, and the band has truly never sounded better. This is a style that really plays off their talents, a style in which every member of the band can fully contribute to a solid product; be it through guitars, vocals, keyboard, drum or bass, it all evens out in the songwriting process.

It’s their new approach to songwriting that lets the rich tones and harmonies of singer Logan Laflotte really be a force in the music, as the opener, “Voids,” perfectly exemplifies. The repeated, whimsical delivery of the lines "I’m going to want you, I’m going to need you sometimes" over some twinkling keyboards is a gorgeous display, swaying back and forth between restrained and more noticeable melody, but keeping your attention in the meantime. The instrumentation is relatively simplistic as the album progresses, but at the same time, that accents the direction of the music to a tee. The guitar harmonics are laid-back and quiet, but the grooves are still present enough to really get into.

Each song presents its own unique sound while keeping each song flowing smoothly and effortlessly into the next. “Under Crowns” relies far more on Laflotte’s vocals and some light keyboard work than anything, and the soaring melodies coalesce perfectly with the subtle bounce of the chord progressions. It’s those tiny nuances that propel the album way past ‘decent’ territory, and into being one of the years better releases. The soft, repetitious drum rolls in “Not by a Long Shot” resonate in your head through the entire track, and everything combines to create such a solid groove, such a solid rhythm that it’s truly impressive. While in its reserved mode, the atmospheric beauty shines through; the more upbeat “I Knew You When” has its share of memorable hooks as well, as the perfect balance is struck between the power of the vocals and simplicity of the music backing it. Even in the few instances where the singer really lets go and wails, it never seems even the slightest bit out of character.

This album is just packed with beauty and a terrific atmospheric spirit that can’t be beat. From track 1 to 10, there’s not a complaint to be had.



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    Anonymous (February 23, 2006)

    "...The band's previous release, Variations hinted at something great to come, and All at Once is that hint finally coming to fruition. "

    funny because if you read the review of the last cd it says quite the opposite

    ive seen these guys countless times and always a great show, this cd is one of my favorites...not amazing, but it just catches on

    Russe11 (January 12, 2006)

    Definately gonna check this out. Great review too.

    Anonymous (January 12, 2006)

    Actually, that Halliburton salt mines comment is pretty damn stupid. And ska is better than most of the crap that passes for music these days.

    Anonymous (January 12, 2006)

    i LOVE the album art.

    Anonymous (January 12, 2006)

    G-e-n-e-r-i-c.

    Go listen to Minus The Bear.

    Anonymous (January 11, 2006)

    I love this cd. One of the best of 2005.

    Anonymous (January 11, 2006)

    I think CrookedSuperHero is just some bitter ass waiting for the great return of ska pop... "Those damned liberals!!"

    -Will

    darkstarm (January 11, 2006)

    Haliburton salt mines? Hilarious! I like this band already.

    Anonymous (January 11, 2006)

    sounds douche bag!

    soulbleed (January 11, 2006)

    paulson rocks. they've been a local fav here for a long time. glad they finally made a killer album as opposed to just having random good songs.

    Anonymous (January 10, 2006)

    This band is so average, I listened to this album and was just so bored. Nothing really stands out and the album as a whole definitely does not stand out. It didn't kill me to listen to but I don't think I'll ever listen to it again.

    Anonymous (January 10, 2006)

    "The singer in this band is a retard."

    im having trouble connecting this with your vague recollection of some magazine snippet.

    wyzo

    Crookedsuperhero (January 10, 2006)

    The singer in this band is a retard. I remember before the US elections AMP had some thing were band members tried to conviced people to vote. His was something like:

    "Fine, don't vote. Let's see how you like it when you're working in the Haliburton salt mines".

    Music sucks, people suck. Woo.

    ILOVESCOTT (January 10, 2006)

    fabulous review

    Inspection12e (January 10, 2006)

    Good album. Shhh. Kirby and Brian.

    Big_Guy (January 10, 2006)

    I saw this band by accident once before their first full length came out. I remember them being awesome.

    kinda wish I bought their demo

    Anonymous (January 10, 2006)

    awesome awesome. this is one of my top ten albums of 2005.

    Anonymous (January 10, 2006)

    super cool guys, my band played with them awhile back

    good album

    Anonymous (January 10, 2006)

    Good luck getting more than a dollar when you go to trade this thing in.

    - Kirby

    Anonymous (January 10, 2006)

    it's good.... not great

    alexwank

    xedx (January 10, 2006)

    Agree. This is good stuff

    Anonymous (January 10, 2006)

    13 reviews. this is getting wild

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