For the first time in a year and a half, local indie/alternative/synthpop group Paper Route are set to perform a hometown show, this Friday, Dec. 12, at Exit/In. Promising new music, and regrouping after the recent departure of a founding member, the rockers will be joined by fellow locals Phin and The Left Hooks. One of Nashville’s best and, perhaps, most underrated acts, Paper Route are phenomenal performers, and their 2012 sophomore release, The Peace of Wild Things, would have been a smash hit in a just world. Needless to say, their local shows are few and far between these days, so snag your tickets here and read on for details.
PAPER ROUTE
After carving out their own unique brand of synthpop, electronica, and experimental indie rock with their 2009 debut Absence, Nashville’s Paper Route then proceeded to tour the world with the eclectic likes of Paramore, Mutemath, Copeland, Passion Pit, Owl City, and more. Coming off of that cycle with a newfound strength, then finding liberation in their split from a major label, the band achieved even more phenomenal results with their sophomore effort, The Peace of Wild Things. Poppier, more avant garde, dancier, and more intelligently-crafted, that 2012 release was simultaneously more adventurous yet harbored greater potential for mass appeal, honing in on all of the band’s best aspects and intensifying them. While things have slowed down a bit for the group as of late, and the recent departure of drummer Gavin McDonald is surely a hindrance, their level of talent and relentless drive have us confident that album three will see them rise to the ranks of recognition they’ve long deserved. Paper Route are already promising new tunes at this show, and, earlier this year, we had a long chat with singer JT Daily and the future of the band in our No Country For New Nashville Podcast.
PHIN
Formed just last year, indie rockers Phin have quickly established themselves as an undeniable up and coming artist to watch, nabbing support slots for some of our favorite local acts, and winning this year’s Music City Mayhem battle of the bands competition, which landed them at spot at Live on the Green. Fronted by singer-songwriter Toby Haydel, the sextet’s sound is a pretty straightforward flavor of indie, with a strong pop sensibility. Their debut EP, Those Killers, was one of our favorite releases of last year, and we’re eagerly awaiting what the band have up their sleeves next.
THE LEFT HOOKS
Local duo The Left Hooks are new to us, but their self-described primal sound and drum and bass/keyboard setup has us intrigued. Head to their site to preview some tunes.
Paper Route, Phin, and The Left Hooks will perform Friday, Dec. 12 at Exit/In. The show is 18+, begins at 9 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m.), and tickets are available for $12.
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