Come And Carry Us Away

It has been about 2 years now since I was first acquainted with Page France. I was gleefully scrolling down the artists on Pure Volume that fateful day, presumably (and unfortunately) seeking out more angst-ridden popcore. Little did I know that day that this seemingly innocuous folk-pop band would steer my musical compass in a drastically different direction. What I discovered was a Maryland quintet who have constructed the most gorgeous tracks to grace my speakers in recent memory. The sound of the band is anchored in lead singer Micheal Nau's high-pitched-but-not-nasal croon which is nicely supported by childhood friend Whitney Mcgraw's heart-wrenchingly beautiful, somewhat childish voice. The instrumentation is relatively sparse at times, relying exclusively on the acoustic guitar, and rich at others, when the tambourines, drums, and keyboards enter the fray. Never do the music or vocals overpower either party. This harmony between the two driving forces of song strikes a balance so soothing it gives Page France's tracks an airy, ethereal dimension I can't recall any other artist achieving since My Morning Jacket. The notes sit on clouds as listeners drift away to a realm filled with cherubins, circus elephants, kings, and queens. Nau flexes his lyrical muscles and weaves elaborate yet innocent fairy tales designed to convey general truths, or maybe rather truisms.

On Page France's debut Hello, Dear Wind released in 2005, which dare I say it is quite simply a masterpiece, the song titles are just about as concise as any listener will encounter (with the longest moniker being "Trampoline"). The reason I bring up this seemingly trivial fact is the notion of just how powerful those single words the band has chosen to designate their tracks can be. And this can also be applied to the band's songs as well. Like a skilled journalist, Page France manages to pack an incredible amount of thought into their work while remaining terse. Not often have I come across poignant music that manages to avoid being dreary and over-wrought (cough*post-rock*cough) which makes Page France a veritable diamond in the rough. There haven't been many bands who have come together to craft such delightful, dreamy gems and with the release of their new album entitled Page France and the Family Telephone, Page France may find itself maintaining its reign over my speakers for months to come. Please do yourselves a favor and pick up everything these guys (and gal) have ever released. You won't be sorry.