Reviews:: Paper Moon What Are You Going To Do With Me

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Paper Moon isn’t exactly what you’d call prolific. The Winnipeg popsters seem to need a few years to deliver full lengths releases (what with having babies and what not) – it’s been over two years since the last full length – but I’ll give it to them. They certainly know how to keep fans happy with EPs and singles. In fact, that’s how I first heard about Paper Moon. Your Attitude Towards Cuttlefish was probably my favorite song on For the Kids Too! and they've put out a steady stream of EPs for the last 7 years.

The band will be releasing a new record in April, but have a 5-song collection of remixes, covers and a sneak peak of the new record available on Tuesday. The EP – What Are You Going To Do With Me has the lead single from the new record, a remix of These New Friends of Your and a sincere, sweeter take Lindy’s Witness.

As you’d expect, the tracks are poppy nuggets with synths, blips and Nikki and Allison’s beautiful vocals. The band is able to give you a heavy dose of sweetness, but keep enough grit in the mix to help the song the songs stay highly repeatable. The simple guitar and electro backbeat of We Can Take the Long Way is weightless, floating around your headphones and the two-minute ditty sets the tone for the late night, "come down" style remix of These New Friends of Yours.

The fusing of machine and organic works nicely, but for me though, the highlight is the reworking of Hot Little Rocket’s Down With Safe. Gone is the heavy bass line, nasally vocals and guitar and in their place is a stripped down track built on a piano melody and faint beat. The harmonies really change the mood of the song, giving the rock song a gentle touch that gives way to the subtle wave of drums and strings. Honestly, I can’t think of another word to describe the song other than lovely.

This is EP does exactly what it’s supposed to do – it reminds you why you like Paper Moon and gets you excited for the new record.