PAWS - Cokefloat!

Sadly it doesn’t come with an actual drink, but PAWS’ ‘Cokefloat!’ is a fantastic debut album. Its lo-fi pop-rock is unrelentingly catchy, and despite some of the lyrical content being a little bit dark – just listen to opener ‘Catherine 1956’, about the death of frontman Philip Taylor’s mother – it’s still upbeat and easy to listen to.

There isn’t a strong sense of where the band is from, which could either be a good or a bad thing depending on how you feel about Glasgow. What is noticeable, however, is producer Rory Atwell’s deft touch; louder songs like ‘Tulip’ have screams at just the right time.

But the quieter moments are good too, offering a kind of respite from the energy of the 13-track album. ‘Get Bent’ in particular, is far more touching than its title would have you believe, despite Taylor’s slightly whiny vocals. When he sings, “If you don’t even know my favourite food or animal, how can I depend on you?” it feels reminiscent of Blink 182, but better. Only so many bands can pull off calling a song ‘Boregasm’, and PAWS are one of them.

It helps – and it’s already been said, but it bears repeating – that they’re so damn catchy. As far as debut albums go, ‘Cokefloat!’ is fairly long; it’s 42 minutes of fun, condensed into 13 tracks. Most records these days feel like they’re spoiling you if they dare go into double figures. It doesn’t matter if the weather’s shit, you can’t help have a smile on your face when you listen to the excellent harmonious vocals of ‘Sore Tummy’, featuring Alice Costelloe, or the hilarious lyrics of the riff-tastic ‘Pony’.

Expect big things from these guys; they’re clearly on the way up.