The latest album by Palour Steps proved to be a good example of why I shouldn’t dismiss music too fast. During the first listen I basically thought “meh” and figured I wouldn’t bother with  it again. I was admittedly in a rather poor mood during that listen though so once I cheered up and gave it another chance, I thankfully realized how good it actually is.

While The Hidden Names is my introduction to the band, it is no less than their fifth album since debuting in 2000. Packed with richly layered indie-pop, good lyrics and coy melodies, its charm has completely won me over. The male/female vocals blend perfectly and I simply cannot resist the combination of rhythmic guitars and a sophisticated plonking piano. But there’s more in there, much more.

Best tracks: “As The World Turned Out”, “Miraculous” (personal favorite), “Soft Lies”, “Sleeping City”, “Ring That Bell”, “Bleeding Hearts”, “Cluttered”… Yeah, basically all of them. I can’t help it, I love this album.

The Hidden Names will be out in October 2009 via Nine Mile Records.

~ “Little Pieces” ~