Paper Flowers – Dandelion | Album Review

Track Listing

Alive 
Wrong Way 
Grief 
New Medicine 
Dandelion 
Sour 
Compliment
Blue 
Caught Fire 
Stargazer 

This album will take you back to the days when the fire burned in the woods and the alcohol was free-flowing. It’s pop-punk at its core with a few surprises. Paper Flowers are on their way, discarding the pop-punk umbrella as they go, as they’re not ready to be pigeonholed. From the beginning of Dandelion, the music hits well, providing us with structure and empathy.

Pop punk takes a bad rap, though there are some golden moments on this record; songs which embody rock and the strains of punk to create a vivid feel. The lyrics aren’t short on shock, as life is explored recklessly, through hardship and the lack of love.  

‘Alive’ begins the record. A sharp guitar presence opens everything up with vocals that depict depression and nowhere to go. It’s a startling beginning and one that packs a punch.

‘Grief’ explores touchy subjects. It’s battle-hard, exploring times when the world is too much. The guitar trickery adds scope.  

‘Compliment’ hits on feelings. The band is hurting, crying, and dislodging from will. The track swells up with sadness and the instrumentals carry it through. The band is on edge here and the music shows this, though they’re still playing with momentum.  

‘Stargazer’ softly becomes the crescendo, the swansong. The band plays with subtle edges as the whole drama unfolds. The instrumentals are incredible.  

With this album Paper Flowers has created a record that pushes the emotions and pop punk sensibilities.    

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