GoldenStreetsOfParadise Cleveland Rising from the ashes of the now defunct indie-pop outfit, Brandtson (The Militia Group, Deep Elm Records), Cleveland's Golden Streets Of Paradise expand on their previous band's sound with a darker, more sonically diverse vibe. One can hear traces of U2, New Order, and Killing Joke, but the way in which they act on those influences is truly unique. For a duo, their sound is incredibly big, both on tape and on stage. Drummer/programmer Adam Boose fills in the gaps with touches of synths and ambient soundscapes that give the songs added layers of texture. Singer Myk Porter's voice floats perfectly in the mix, washing over the waves of warm fuzz emanating from his distorted guitar. His lyrics are achingly raw, striking a nerve with a penchant for the blue. But at the same time, the honesty his words exude also offers steady glimmers of hope. They exercised all these traits to great success on their 2014 debut EP, "The Sun Is Everything," which was recorded and mixed by Hunter Davidsohn (Frankie Cosmos, Porches) at Business District Recording in New York. It received rave reviews from publications like Scene, Midwest Action, and Cellar Door Cleveland, the latter of which dubbed it "the best rock record to come out of the 216 in years." For their forthcoming full-length, the band has again teamed up with the best in the biz. The record was mixed by Grammy Award-winning engineer, Rae DiLeo, whose impressive resume includes bands like Filter and Henry Rollins. The high production values add a shine to their songs, drawing out their pop sensibilities. Tracks like "Sugar" and "Monsters" are certainly dark and edgy, but they're also incredibly catchy. Golden Streets of Paradise have found a comfortable balance between accessible and experimental. While the indie-rock world is sometimes rigid and firm in its boundaries, the duo's divergent electronic tinkering and subtle industrial influences make them a refreshing addition to the scene.
