PAULSON "All At Once" (One Day Savior) Review by Jordan A. Baker
New Jersey's PAULSON have seen a lot a of highs and lows in their short span as a band. The group's debut full-length Variations was released on Initial Records to mild acclaim, and then almost banished to obscurity with the label then closing up shop and heading off into the darkness of night. While Variations did see a re-release on the band's current label, Long Island's One Day Savior, PAULSON, for a time, still appeared to be a band lost at sea. Fortunately, All At Once should place these guys on the path to the yellow-brick road.
All At Once achieves the kind of cohesive, atmospheric sound that PAULSON hinted at with Variations but could not capitalize on with any great deal of consistency. The fluidity of the songwriting brings to mind the similarly natured band DREDG, or CODESEVEN's final full-length Dancing Echoes/Dead Sounds. Vocalist Logan Laflotte boasts a particularly rich, deep tone that's sometimes dreamy, sometimes droning. Both effects give PAULSON the kind of roaming texture it was seeking on Variations, but this time, the recording quality is so much cleaner. Producer Mike Poorman gives All At Once a very nimble finish with feet-shuffling dance beats and gorgeous, winding guitars. The whole thing is orchestrated to move as one, which is in stark contrast to bands like THESE ARMS ARE SNAKES or BULLET TRAIN TO VEGAS, who each prey with angular riffs and divergent, spastic percussion. Like the previously mentioned DREDG, PAULSON's sound has developed a knack for the seldom vocal hook. The opener "Voids," caught me by surprise with its oft-repeated and memorable lyric, "Now I've got voids to fill." The third track, "Window Frames" cools down with a closing muse, "Look what you did to me and my wisdom teeth. Your lips were too sweet and they left me with cavities." This release sinks in amicably if given the chance.
As this full-length swims through its 37 minutes with grace, it leaves a distinct impression of musical accomplishment. I'm not saying that PAULSON is "the next CAVE IN," but certainly, all the ingredients seem to be there for the taking. All At Once is a wonderful step up from Variations and stands out as one of this years most unique and creative offerings.
