PAWS by PAWS

When you’re struggling, you may often hear that the only way out is through. While true, the statement isn’t very comforting; change can be incredibly uncomfortable despite its inevitability. We thought the pandemic might have wiped them out as a band, but Scottish indie rockers PAWS make their return this week with a self-titled LP. Combining the emotionality of early aughts twee rock with the pissed off grit of modern punk has resulted in an actually engaging indie emo album, a feat I thought was no longer possible in the oversaturated indie rock sphere. The pacing of this project is disorienting, continuously lurching forward and screeching to a halt throughout its 30-mintue run. Despite its jolty pacing, PAWS feels self assured, openly broaching themes of loss through moody harmonies alongside wandering mathy guitars and smooth lofi droning. -Carrie