One Big Party (Ramseur, 2010)

Clocking in at 35 minutes, Paleface's "One Big Party" is more like a casual stopover at your neighbor's house than a 4-course dinner soiree. It is a fairly pleasant time, but it's unfortunate that there isn't more time to get situated. Paleface makes music that is uncomplicated by over-processing, which is almost a shock to the radio-loving ear. The sounds at first seem a bit too spare, but as the album moves along it allows for some unique personality to shine through. Despite being far away from bubblegum pop, the tracks are very hummable.

Paleface's girlfriend, Monica "Mo" Samalot contributed drums as well as some vocals The title track features her voice and is one of the standout songs. Her vocals add lushness to the spare instrumentals, whereas Paceface's voice is rougher and a rather acquired taste. On Understand the Man, his vocals get to the point of being even a bit distracting, but fit nicely onto the next track, See You When the Sun Down.

Just as even the best parties have their down moments, "One Big Party" is for the most part a great time and worth adding to your iTunes. Paleface released another album just over a year ago, and one hopes that he'll release longer and more vocally thought-out songs.