Los Angeles dreamers Papa are a duo with former Girls' drummer Darren Weiss and his childhood pal Danny Presant in their ranks. What they're aiming for on "Tender Madness" is the American big music transmitted with a more poppy edge and energetic gusto than is normally the case with most who tap into that source for inspiration. "Put Me to Work" and "I Am the Lion King" are full of noise and melodic swing, both tracks waiting for permission to come abord at that line where songs become anthems. But there's far too much repetition of ideas here and a failure to break for new ground. "Forgotten Days" is so MOR that The Killers would probably turn their noses up at it, while "Get Me Through the Night" lacks any semblance of bite or distinction. Papa are a band in desperate need of something else to put a pep in their step. papatheband.com
Download: "Put Me to Work"