Credit: Emilie-Anne Paul

A Page Turner for All Ages

Emilie-Anne Paul

Winnipeg’s The Paperbacks are defining Canadian indie pop with the release of their second full-length album: An Illusion Against Death.  With a melancholy and contagious sound, there is no denying that this local band will impact the Canadian music scene.

In 2003, The Paperbacks released An Episode of Sparrows,which took the Canadian and international music scene by surprise. Their first album was self-produced, and the band - now composed of Doug McLean (Vocals/Guitar), Ian LaRue (Keyboard/Percussion/ Vocals), Jaret McNabb (Bass), Corey Biluk (drums), and Louis Lévesque-Côté (Guitar/Vocals) - has managed to recreate that buzz with their second album.  Produced by The Weakerthans frontman John K. Samson, An Illusion Against Death has been released in Canada on the Parliament of Trees label.

Full of deep lyrics and sing-along melodies, An Illusion Against Death traces the profound life lessons to which we can all relate.  The album tells the tales of t the band members’ personal growth.  With “Intuitions,” which retells painful family experiences, and celebrating life as an artist in “Make Art,” An Illusion Against Death has something for everyone.

Like An Episode of Sparrows the latest album is full of uniquely undeniable talent. Since the release, The Paperbacks have recorded for CBC Radio 3’s Sessions and have started touring. Their raw and simple talent has set the bar high for their fall shows.

The band’s talent is not confined to the studio, so check their Web site for a show in your area. The performances further demonstrate their lyrical genius.