Review Summary: A band worth rooting for
There are many reasons to root for Del Paxton on their solid, albeit conventional debut album. Not only is their conclusion that the world would be a better place without a constant onslaught of commercials and media spot-on (see “Primetime”), but “Koolwink” is one of my most-played songs of the year for good reason. I don’t know what it is; the main guitar riff is pretty simple, but dammit, it just
grooves. The same could be said for “In the Well”, which takes advantage of its huge guitar hooks to add that extra punch to one of the album’s most lyrically aggressive cuts. Although the vocalist doesn’t possess the most original sound, he certainly gets the job done with a familiar sense of passion that draws influence from multiple bands in the emo/indie-rock camp. For this reason, Del Paxton are instantly likeable and easy on the ears.
All Day, Every Day, All Night is quite enjoyable and energizing when you’re listening to it, but it’s also easy to forget about when the next anticipated release drops. The album’s accessibility is also its Achilles’ heel: it’s immediately tolerable, but some of the tracks sound too alike, and do little to stand out from the pack. “Coast to Coast AM” is a nice change of pace with its twinkly guitars and subdued vocals, but doesn’t really provide anything substantial we haven’t already heard by American Football and all their counterparts. Despite a few minor pitfalls, Del Paxton’s debut LP is nonetheless a competent and often slickly produced listening experience. They’re not reinventing the wheel by any stretch of the imagination, but they’re sure as hell off to a good start. Mark these guys down as a band to keep your eyes on. Their debut full-length is a fun and harmless, little album – nothing more, and nothing less.
