Storytelling With Coffeehouse Harmonies

Alessia downloaded The Paper Raincoat's new album this morning and we are sitting here listening to it, nodding our heads and enjoying. Alessia gets full credit for the phrase "coffeehouse harmonies," BTW.

The phrase fits because I can totally picture Alex and Amber sitting on a small stage at a village coffeehouse, talking and joking with people at the tables between songs and then spinning another musical tale.

It doesn't fit because that also implies a lack of complexity. The music on this album is not simplistic or stripped down. However, the best element of that coffeehouse tradition, the focus on songwriting, is present here.

Paper Raincoat is a collaboration between Alex Wong and Amber Rubarth. I first discovered them because I saw Alex play with Vienna Teng and they performed "In The Creases." I was very taken with the song and thus made an effort to track down more music by the duo. On Oct. 6th they released their first full length CD and it was a forgone conclusion that it would be a purchase. In a tradition I fully endorse since it makes first records easy to identify, it is simply titled Paper Raincoat.

The duo previously released an EP entitled Safe In the Sound and some of the music is duplicated here, but there is also new stuff and if you purchased that EP then you are already a fan and while be buying this record anyway.

The album starts with Right Angles, which was used as a teaser download and is an excellent introduction to the distinct style and sound of the duo. The layered production immediately tells you that though this is advertised as electronic folk, that doesn't mean you are limited to an acoustic guitar and tambourine.

The very catchy Sympathetic Vibrations follows and draws you further in, as you start to sing along with the chorus under your breath. In Brooklyn Blurs, a not-too-subtle but very well executed Beatles wink should make any Lennon & McCartney aficionado smile.

Rewind begins with a whimsical bit of harmonizing that illustrates a point that struck me throughout my first listen. This duo has a enjoyable toe-tapping quality that shines through each infectious tune. It's difficult to avoid nodding your head or tapping your fingers on the arm of the couch.

Honest and melodic, the entire album is thoroughly enjoyable. The varied instrumentation never overpowers the voices.

One of my first thoughts was that this was an album to drink wine or coffee with, not beer. But on second listen, I disagree with myself. Drinking beer with this playing is fine, as long as its good beer. This is not an album for Schlitz. Like a good craft brew, the music here has multiple tastes that linger on different parts of the palette. Yet, for all the complex levels of enjoyment possible with concentration, it also satisfies in the most basic refreshing way.

Flat out, this is good music. So raise a glass to the stars and enjoy.

Paper Raincoat is currently available exclusively through Amie St. for the price of going to see Couples Retreat at the local multiplex, minus the expensive popcorn and fake butter. The writing is much better here. Stay in, listen to Alex & Amber and let a genuine unforced smile grow.