Childhood buds Darren Weiss and Danny Presant formed PAPA under the burning intensity of the Los Angeles sun. And weirdly enough, that’s what they sound like. I’m not talking about the jangly beach rock that’s become the calling card of the indie rock world. More so, PAPA is the sound of summer. It’s the sound of expansive goals under urban constriction, and then the feeling of breaking free. They’ve got the poetry of philosophers and the sound of a modern Springsteen, and they’re barreling toward national fame.
They spoke with us this week and they’re prepped to take Madison by storm tomorrow night at The Frequency. And at a $10 ticket price, why not? Here are the songs to know once you’re there:
“Ain’t It So”
Off of their debut EP, A Good Woman is Hard to Find, “Ain’t It So” promised good things to come for PAPA. Its lyrics are simple but hard-hitting, and catchy enough for a summer jam.
“Put Me to Work”
“Put Me to Work” was the first single released from their first full-length album, Tender Madness (which they’re touring now). It cries America, with ringing guitars and drums that push forward in almost a panic.
“Young Rut”
If you are in college, finishing college, generally confused about life, or at one point had an experience anything like those, “Young Rut” is your anthem. Weiss sings, “I don’t know what I want, but I want it bad,” embodying the yearning and restlessness of youth.
“Cotton Candy”
“Cotton Candy” is reminiscent of early Vampire Weekend, with bright keys and clean drums. It’s the classic song-that-sounds-happy-but-is-really-sad: “Blowjobs and cotton candy, all my devils treat me so well” simultaneously bemoans and celebrates hedonism, and it sounds just as sweet.
“If You’re My Girl, Then I’m Your Man”
For how often we talk about moving on and the excitement of new opportunities, there is always heartbreak in change. This track fleshes out that bittersweet taste, telling the story of young love gone away. It’s an ode to clean slates that pulls at the center of your gut, in the best of ways.