Powerful, piano-driven rock has always been my soft spot. Keane has a high play count in my library. Entice is totally different. The sound is distinct (some say it reminds them of Muse—-they’re wrong), and every song is a new nuance of their varied talents. The rhythmic piano and clapping that begin ‘Cold Case’ could be hip-hop, but they merely lead into a fierce ballad with bitter lyrics and forcefully despondent riffs.

Switch to ‘Fragile Instincts’ and we’ve got a playfully clicking rhythm section, mingling with seductive, unscrupulous lyrics about “self-control running out.” Or perhaps you’d prefer the sunny energy of ‘Get a Hold of Yourself,’ where bouncy piano keys and scratchy chords lend to some serious positivity. You could even try ‘All I Ever Needed,’ and you’d get an excellent rock track filled with raw-edged vocals and semi-broken guitar chords. The halting quality is unexpected but makes for a great (if slightly emo) sound. This lack of predictability combined with those vivid lyrics garners the guys the interest they deserve.

There is a very thin line between childish and child-like, but they are worlds apart. Andrea Hamilton’s honest and vulnerable vocal delivery reminds me of Amos Lee and the Juno soundtrack. The simple soulfulness of her melodies is weirdly haunting- I don’t think the melodies themselves, or her lyrics, are compelling, but delivered with that honesty they somehow seep in an make you feel like you know her, and that she knows you.

The production on “Blink” is spacious, leaving room for a groove that’s impressive from a white girl. The train chugging snare drum and well-placed harmonies during the chorus make “It’ll Be Alright” the kind of song you listen to with the windows down. “Sunshine Inside” is almost nerdy, calling to mind Lisa Loeb and Ingrid Michaelson.
Hamilton’s music is never haughty or self-congratulatory. Her whole style as an artist is approachable; just look at the cover photo of her recent release, “Deciding What To Keep.” Listening to her music makes me want to see her live; makes me wonder what kind of quirky stories she’ll tell… and I’m genuinely looking forward to them.

Your skin creeps and your hair stands on end… you’re experiencing that phenomenon we call music, better yet, we call true rock. You’re experiencing the essence of Paper Rival.
Emerging from sometimes a muddy scene in Nashville, Paper Rival never ceases to amaze, or calm your chills.

My first interaction with this band was 4 years ago - Santa Cruz, California. They were the opening band on the first ever 30 Seconds To Mars tour. Funny thing is, the music is not parallel with the style of 30STM, but, their level of expertise and performance is. Paper Rival sucked me in from the start. Their intense lyrics and dedication shine through no matter the time, circumstance or setting. This band can play in your backyard bbq, but also astonish thousands at a rock festival.

The past two years they’ve played events like South By Southwest in Austin, Texas. Their evolvement from last year to this year was astounding. Their passion has increased ten fold. Within the past year they’ve landed a record deal with Photofinish Records, lost a drummer, recorded a full length album (kept most of the creativity and production in their hands) and they have not quit hopping on tours across the country. For the first time they ventured through Canada and launched yet another fan base. They can pack any room, any venue, in any state or city.They’ve been on the road with the likes of Steel Train, Circa Survive, Men Women and Children, 30STM, Colour Revolt, Manchester Orchestra, Owen, Anathallo and Aloha.

Paper Rival is beyond talent, beyond performance and definitely beyond “flavor of the week.” This band is something that gets under your skin, in your soul and affects your blood stream. Every second you spend listening to them, and/or watching them will feel like jumping in the ocean, every time. Refreshing, chilly and leaving you with a lasting impression.

I could go on and on about how much I believe in them, but why not let some other passionate people get a word in…

“Paper Rival stopped me dead in my tracks the first time I heard them. Oddly enough, they did the same thing yesterday. It’s been years since a band has so successfully conveyed every intended emotion. Prepare to feel this. I can’t think of a group more truthful; equipped with brutal honesty and flawlessness enough to make you stare back at your speakers and surrender.” - Ryan Manno / Q101 / Chicago

“Dialog sucks you in! This record planted a seed on my first listen and continues to grow on listen 10. Everyone of these songs has depth and showcases the band’s songwriting skills. The melody from “Bluebird” has been trapped in my brain… and I love it! I hate to liken one band to another but if it helps, Paper Rival is reminiscent of early Radiohead.”
-Walter Flakus / XM Radio / Ethel

“Paper Rival takes southern rock and makes it credible again, by incorporating sounds and lyrics that make you dance, cry, and THINK! It’s been a while since a band has has released such strong music in only an EP format. Can’t wait for the album to reach the masses!” - Pete Lepore / WHTG

“This four-piece lays down cascading, dreamy guitar pop… Paper Rival spins lush tunes that don’t fall into the usual trappings of overacted melodrama” - Spin.com

Just take OUR word for it. “Dialog” the debut album, hits streets on June 3rd. Do enjoy.

I first ventured upon Keaton Simons at a show at the Temple Bar in Santa Monica. I had never heard of him but jumped on board to support a friend in his endeavor hear some random music. The first words out of Keaton’s mouth when he took the stage were “It’s really good to be home…” He started playing and i thought the same thing. The recent LA Times Calender section headline said it best: “An old soul in a young man’s voice.” Despite being only 26, you get the feeling that this dude has lived. His voice is an effortless one that has tasted enough of life to know that pretense isn’t necessary, so what you get is a brutally honest, soulful sound that makes you feel like you’re on the front porch listening to a journeyman talk story. Combined with guitar skills good enough to make most aspiring guitarists wanna hang it up, and pop sensibilities smart enough to break down the walls of even the pop hit factory writing team The Matrix, the effect is one of the most unique sounds in music today. Check out the perfectly painted picture of “Without Your Skin” and the tongue-in-cheek “Nobody Knows” and renew your faith in the state of music today.