Paint Can You Hear Me? album review by Andrew Horan of Soundproof Magazine
Paint: Can You Hear Me?
by Andrew Horan
May 11, 2010
SOUNDS LIKE: An assured collection of alt-rock songs that's destined for arenas.
A lot can happen in four years. In the case of Paint, the band relocated from Vancouver to Toronto and abandoned the mélange of sounds found on their 2005 debut Urban Folk Tales in favour of an arena-friendly alt-rock sound.
Admittedly at times they do sound like many of the mid-'90s bands they cite as influences, but the eight songs found on this release are so assured that it transcends any cliches.
This is an all-killer, no-filler collection of songs, making it hard to pick a highlight. Lead off "Don't Blow Me Away" is a radio-friendly track with hit written all over it. "An Evening With Myself" showcases the harmonies between frontman Robb Johannes and guitarist Mandy Dunbar to great effect.
Johannes had a strong presence before and it's only gotten better between albums. He brings a sense of confidence to songs like the Britpop influenced "Strangers".
Combine this with a killer live show and you have a band on the verge of big things.