In May of 2004, the future looked bright to the members of Paulson. Alex Burton (Bass), Logan Laflotte (Vocals), Jeff Widner (Drums), Mike Smeen (Synths) and Jesse Burton (Guitar) had just signed with respected indie Initial Records and were preparing to re-release their original demo as a makeshift debut LP, Variations.” Despite the low budgets and daunting obstacles, the group commited itself to touring full-time, quitting jobs and dropping out of college. Fast forward 18 months. Poised to release their sophmore album, it’s almost impossible to recognize the formerly fresh-faced group. Since last year they have endured the abrupt closing of their label (who neglected to provide even a single press release or advertisement in support of their debut), a protracted legal |dispute to recover their record and win release from their contract, the departure of long-time girlfriends who objected to their obessive touring schedule, and their eventual redemption in signing to Long Island-based One Day Savior Recordings (Boys Night Out, Juliana Theory, Hopesfall). In the last year they have performed over 250 shows in 34 states and Canada, touring with the likes of Senses Fail (Vagrant), Midtown (Columbia), Moneen (Vagrant), Bear Vs. Shark (Equal Vision), Folly (Triple Crown), Far-less (Tooth & Nail), The Break (Ferret), Jenoah (Drive-Thru), Endicott (Equal Vision), and many others, despite having no booking agent or management. They have also appeared on major festivals like The Bamboozle, The Warped Tour, Worcester Skate Fest, Flipside Festival and done prominent one-offs with bands like Brand New, Something Corporate, Fall Out Boy, The Starting Line and many others. Selections from their debut can be heard on MTVʼs Real World, major radio stations like NYCʼs K-Rock, and on the upcoming “Taste Of Chaos” DVD. Having never been in a proper studio, the band was thrilled to finally enter the legendary Camp Street facility in Cambridge, MA with producer Mike Poorman (Tsunami Bomb, Hot Rod Circuit). The result is a radical departure from their previous effort. Where “Variations” was disjointed and aggressive, their new album, entitled “All At Once,” is focused and subtle. Gone are the screamed vocals and power chords; instead the listener finds a wash of keyboards and computer sequences, tight, dancey drums and even a lap steel solo. Odd time signatures still abound, but compelling vocal harmonies and mature songwriting are the focus. The artwork, inspired by Japanese modern artist Takashi Murakami, is further evidence that this is a band who continues to stand apart from the pack. Poised on the threshold of their albumʼs November 8th release, the band is optimistic that their most difficult days are behind them. Having finally made the record they were burning to make, and assured of their own unflinching work ethic in the face of any obstacle, the future for Paulson continues to shine brightly. |
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