Album Review: Voices

Due for release January 18, 2019, Voices is the second full-length album from Indie Folk duo Paper Cranes. While comprised of ten tracks, the album has a short overall runtime of just over 35 minutes.

Opening with The Line, the instrumentals are so minimal and delicate that there is nothing for Fraser and Naomi Browne to hide behind, with regards to their own voices. While the folk genre has a lot of focus on the vocal narrative, Paper Cranes has much more emphasis on the melodious nature of the lyrics, which are often more metaphorical than straight storytelling. With well-placed confidence, Fraser has no qualms about using the full range of his voice creating a wide array of harmonies with partner, Naomi.

Alive is potentially the standout track of the album. Almost coming across like the theme song of an old-school 80’s game show or sitcom, they display some exquisite harmonies. It is rare that I come across an album with such little emphasis placed on the instrumentation. Minimal in its execution, there are some lovely accents and ambient backdrops as the track slowly gathers in speed and volume, building up the presence of the instruments until it reaches something akin to the pop-rock genre.

Each track comes with its own specific feel, whether it be the Indie vibe of Midsummer, with more traditional rock band instruments, or the innate sense of innocence imbued by Heartbeat, doing away with societal norms of what vocal expressions are expected of the male and female forms. Heartbeat is unabashedly frank, using all parts of the spectrum of vocal range to create the melody they want; freeing and daring at the same time.

With traditional woodwind instruments and well-placed piano pieces, there is a comfortable and serene atmosphere surrounding this release. A chemistry that alludes to Fraser and Naomi not performing to their listeners but crooning and serenading each other; magnificent harmonies that feed off of each other. Despite the more upbeat tone compared to their debut album The Road Home, Voices is unhurried, and with practically no drumming on the entire release, it meanders playfully, making use of silence. The general focus on the higher end of the vocal melodies with frequent melodies, do give a grand feel, almost theatrical, or like that of a hymn. Designed with a large choir in mind.

Haunting, iridescent, melancholic, congenial, Paper Cranes evoke a multitude of emotions in a short span of time. An unexpectedly stark release. Open and unrestricted, Voices is a spiritual unleashing of ideas.