Review: White Deer Park by Papa Vs Pretty

Papa Vs Pretty are an exciting young Aussie band: fun, loud, and full of energy.

With White Deer Park, their second full-length since the group’s 2011 debut United In Isolation, the four-piece cement this reputation, building on their solid foundations and expanding sonically to serve one kick-ass follow-up.

United In Isolation was met with critical acclaim upon its release (including heavy Triple J rotation and a coveted J-award nomination). The group show no signs of a sophomore slump – probably thanks to the addition of guitarist Luke Liang and the input of Grammy-nominated producer, Dave Trumfio.

Fearless lyricism from frontman Thomas Rawle gives the record delightful hints of brash, early Radiohead-esque power, mixed with humble, Fleet Foxes/Ball Park Music ambience on the slower songs.

While the album’s first single ‘My Life Is Yours’ falls into the latter category, the album’s real highlights come from the delightful vigour in second single ‘Smother’ and powerful closer, ‘Dementia Praecox’.

‘Smother’ is a beautiful mess of distorted guitar streaks and cheeky arrogance, also featuring one of the best “Fuck You”s in music from recent memory (sorry Lily Allen), which is sure to get the crowd jumping in their support slot for Ball Park on their April Puddinghead tour.

Despite this, there’s a certain maturity about Papa Vs Pretty that sets them apart from your stock standard, Aussie Jungle-Hungry-Kids-Safari-Jinja-Giants. The evolution of this sound could set them up to be one of Australia’s great rock bands.