Experimental rock at its finest

On their new studio album Loss For Words, PAINT explores the world of experimental rock with flare. Though a majority of the album is rock, the Canadian group adds some dimension with jazz instrumentation, new wave beats and sparse vocals in other languages. Though the album is a summer release, this record sets the perfect vibe for fall. 

One of the joys of the album is every song sounds completely different. There doesn’t appear to be a pattern or sequence which keeps the record interesting and keeps the listener engaged, a tough thing to do on a mostly instrumental album. In total, the album features 11 songs and runs about 30 minutes so it’s a rapidly engrossing listen. 

The album starts out with the track “Rokc Muzik,” which sounds like it came right out of the ’80s with its new wave flare and alternative vibe. The song is purely instrumental and can almost be compared to a release by New Order. Along with the new wave theme, “Desolation Dub” fits that description almost perfectly, sounding like ’80s club music. This track is the first to feature vocalization but doesn’t overpower the new wave sound. 

The tracks “Lily Dust” and “Paris 2020” both start off much slower than the rest. “Lily Dust” is a spooky-sounding track and one that will fit well in any fall playlist. “Paris 2020” starts off with bells and a wind sound which gives the listener the illusion of being outside but then eventually picks up with a more ethereal sound and a new wave vibe. The track “Pygmy Palace” also features a nature vibe as the song starts off with a water sound in the back and some unidentifiable vocals. The track also seems to have a jazz influence which gives it its distinctive sound. 

The album ends with the unexpected track “Bermuda Story” which presents itself in the beginning with an almost classic indie rock sound. The song features a hazy guitar with a strumming pattern that may remind the listener of something from the ’60s.

Overall, this album features a wide variety of songs, leaving something for everyone to enjoy. Though there is a core theme throughout the record, each song has a distinctive twist that sets it aside from the original topics.