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This is a doozy of a debut full-length from this Philly-area quartet (following an obligatory debut EP). Okay Paddy are students of a few different schools of pop, and they are earning straight As. The opening track, "Your Bar's on Fire," marries bendy and meandering guitars that the boys must have learned from Polvo and Pavement, respectively, with a melodic sensibility taken from the playbook of early Death Cab for Cutie. They embrace the "ba da da," employing it on both of the following two songs, "Gas Money" and "Put Them in the Cages." "Oo-Man, La-World" and "Where's the Taste" are the kind of power-pop practiced by bands like Sloan or Teenage Fanclub, with crunchy twin power-chording guitars and vocal harmonies. There's some acoustic-based indiepop in the forms of "You Never Worry," which is in the wistful vein of The Lucksmiths and Math and Physics Club, and "Lighter Later," which works in some psychedelic backwards guitar lines. The last two tracks, "Fraktur" and "Furrier," share a certain feel with Rogue Wave, particularly the vocal melody and harmonies of "Furrier," and the folky acoustic strumming and piano in that song also call to mind the early work of Belle and Sebastian. Lest you think Okay Paddy are stuck on the last 15 or so years of indie rock and pop, they show that they've studied The Beatles too, referencing them both lyrically and musically in a few places.
By this point in the review it should be evident that, while this band has (in my opinion) impeccable taste in influences, those influences show through pretty obviously, resulting in a sound that is by and large more referential than original. There are several reasons why I'm more than willing to forgive them of this. One, they are early in their careers. Two, as I said, they are students of some of the masters. Third, and most important, every single track on this disc is a fantastic, mix-tape-worthy gem, with impeccable songwriting, wonderful melodies and harmonies, and a nice easygoing feel. This is the best pop disc of the year so far that I've heard, and while it seems likely that it will be eclipsed by a more varsity release before the year is out, these guys are in a strong position to remain (collectively) captain of the JV squad. (mike.04.06)
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