As a music journalist, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering a new band that just clicks with you. It’s like finding a hidden gem among a sea of submissions, and when you do, it’s as if you’ve hooked something truly special. That’s the feeling I’ve had with The Paces, a California-based duo whose 2022 album ‘Life Of Another Party’ has been my latest obsession.
This record is pure fun. You can get completely absorbed in the melodies and the stunning vocal harmonies, even without focusing on the lyrics. Candace and Eric have crafted something extraordinary here, and I’m buzzing with excitement to share more about it with you. Their music is like something you feel, and it’s been a constant topic of conversation among my friends and me in the past few days I’ve spent with this record. So, let’s get in and explore what makes ‘Life Of Another Party’ is all about.
The album kicks off with ‘Durban’, which introduces the album with a distinctive flair, merging an array of sounds that shatter the mold of traditional musical form. A groovy synth rhythm serves as the backbone, amidst a flurry of beats that appear to be scattered without a discernible pattern, it felt like it was wanting me to explore the possibility of a hidden cadence. With each playthrough, the song unveils further intricacies, contributing to its liberated and carefree character.
The verses contribute to this feeling, with standout lines like ‘Sun is hot. So am I. Sun is bright. So is my smile,’ which underscore the track’s unconfined and joyful nature. It’s a nice start that signals an album filled with unexpected fun and creative breakthroughs.
Now this was an experience that defies expectations with its blend of seemingly disordered instrumentation and stunning vocal harmonies. The vocals are a standout feature, going through the track with a fluidity and grace that belies the frenetic backdrop. This duality creates an awesome contrast, making the song an enigmatic gem. For a first-time listener of the duo, the track is a revelation, offering no respite from its relentless energy. From the moment the vocals burst forth, they take the reins and drive the song forward without a moment’s hesitation.
‘Seabreeze 5’ unfolds as the album’s second piece, a much, much bigger composition lasting 6 minutes and 40 seconds. In this track, the duo navigates back to a more familiar sound, aligning with what one might expect from their previous work. The track gives off this heartfelt quality, with synth elements that stir a sense of wistfulness, touching on the reminiscent chords of the past, which I loved.
The song incorporates lyrical echoes of childhood maxims, such as ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me,’ rendered with a finesse that transforms the piece into an uplifting experience. As the song moves forward, it shifts towards a more instrumental focus, introducing a rhythmically engaging section with some clapping, which adds a communal dimension to the song.
It kinda makes you want to clap along with it. This song for me confirms the duos has a way of creating tunes that not only entertain but also strike an emotional chord. In short, I found their music just put me in such a good mood.
‘Homemade LR’ brings a fresh twist with its flute melodies that weave very nicely into the groove, creating a standout track for me personally on this the album. This track almost feels like a nod to the old-school funk vibe, reminiscent of the legendary Zapp and Roger, without overwhelming you with too much.
It’s a subtle homage that fans of that era will appreciate, as the funk elements simmer beneath the surface, providing a steady groove that’s easy to bounce to. Because hey, after all and like they say, I love more bounce in my funk.
Eric steps into the limelight, showcasing his vocal talents with a style that’s effortlessly smooth. It’s a standout moment where his voice glides over the melody, bringing a layer of sophistication to the song. Candice’s harmonies blend with Eric’s lead in a way that’s nothing short of magical, adding depth and richness to the track.
The instrumentation on this piece is particularly cool I find. The synth work, for instance, has this classy, almost regal quality to it. It’s reminiscent of a harpsichord, which is pretty unique for a modern track. The harpsichord, with its plucked strings, was a staple in Baroque and Renaissance music, often associated with a classical, sometimes haunting vibe. Here, it’s reimagined and made into the fabric of the song, giving it a historical twist.
I’m pretty sure this might not have been intended, but either way it adds an element of whimsy and charm that’s such a cool addition. It’s these kinds of little touches that make the track—and the album as a whole—stand out. The song wraps up with this motif, that just left me with a smile on my face.
When I hit ‘Round the Clock,’ the final track, I couldn’t help but turn up the volume. The bass was just right, and the beat was heavy – exactly what I needed to end the album on a high note. It’s easy to see why this one stood out to me; it’s got that edge that makes you remember why you started listening in the first place.
This album has been like a personal soundtrack to good vibes. I’ve used the phrase before, but it’s worth repeating: this music just sets the right tone. It’s not every day that I come across a duo that impresses me enough to make me want to explore their entire discography, but here we are. I’ve been a classical music guy for my background music, always have something orchestral in the background, but The Paces? They’ve become my go-to when I need a pick-me-up. This album was just so easy to get lost in, and really vibe out to. My God, what a fun group!
One of the perks of being a journalist is discovering music that resonates with you on a personal level, and this band has done just that. They’ve quickly become a mainstay in my personal collection. And I can’t talk about them without mentioning the vocal harmonies – they’re nothing short of perfection. It’s clear that there’s talent in California, and I’m eager to experience their live performance. To see this duo in action is high on my list; I’m sure it’ll be an unforgettable live experience, because their studio work, is S tier.