Papercuts: Can't Go Back

Label: Gnomonsong

What an absolute joy this record is! The second album from Jason Robert Quever’s band is unfailingly melodic from beginning to end. On several tracks Andy Cabic of Vetiver doubles Quever’s warm youthful voice, which sits comfortably an octave higher than his contemporaries, and Shayde Sartin of Skygreen Leopards also contributes. Music reviewers have made reference to Galaxie 500, and you can’t argue with them after listening to tracks like “Summer Long,” but this melodic folk-pop album can even recall an early Pink Floyd vibe. There is a generous amount of beautifully played piano on the album that can tonk the honk as well as the Mamas and the Papas on “Take the 227th Exit.” Overall Can’t Go Back is a bit of a creeper, but in the best way possible. Start with track one and ride that steady open country road back to the late 1960s. (Rebecca)