Roo Panes
Paperweights
Reviewed by: Adelie Salagnac
Having just finished a series of intimate shows in the UK, Andrew “Roo” Panes is releasing his sophomore full-length, Paperweights, via CRC Music.
Anyone who knows me will agree on the fact that I have a slight obsession with anything Disney-related, so of course, seeing Panes’ nickname immediately made me think of the classic character from Winnie the Pooh. Imagine my surprise when I found out that Panes actually got his nickname from the Winnie the Pooh character – here’s to my friends, who keep on telling me that “Not everything has to be Disney-related, enough with the weird theories”; for once I am right.
Classical folk-pop singer-songwriter from England, Panes, on top of fulfilling my weird Disney obsession, successfully blends in elements of two very different genres – classical, and contemporary folk. An unusual combination that seems to work surprisingly well, judging by the great response Panes got with his debut album, Little Giant, released in 2014. Today, he is releasing the follow-up to Little Giant, which is, for sure, destined to a similar future.
In an interview with Relix, Panes said, “Little Giant was about encouragement, about small revelations of great significance, and was a deliberately peaceful album. I wanted to communicate that you don’t need to shout to be heard, and I wanted to bring some hush into a world that so often overlooks the significance of reflection. I guess Paperweights is about freedom, risk, vulnerability, moving on and letting go, lifting the paperweight so to speak.”
With his introspective lyrics, his mandolin and his 12-string guitar, Panes somehow manages to deliver a record that is even more honest and more sincere than the previous one. Filled with cleverly written songs that makes you feel good and gives you this warm, fuzzy feeling inside, Paperweights is an emotionally rich album. Writing from a genuine and heartfelt perspective, about profound personal experiences.
Listening to Paperweights feels like taking a fresh start – leaving you full of hope and forgiveness, both towards yourself and towards others. Singles, such as “The Original” or the title track “Paperweights” have known nothing but good praise; the album in its entirety is just as brilliant. I bet Paperweights will be a very successful follow-up to Little Giant, and will hook any folk fan up, as well as catch the attention of non-initiated; no need to be an aficionado or to have a deep knowledge of music to appreciate and enjoy Panes’ musicianship.
“You take me back to the morning light / The very moment that I found my sight / I’m forever by your side” Panes sings in “Stay With Me”.
Let me tell you that I wouldn’t mind having Roo Panes’ songs forever in my ears.
Rating: Bad-Ass
