Paulson could very easily be classified as an anomaly in the current musical climate. While their material is definitely melodic in nature and steeped in a prog-rock outlook, it is also satisfyingly cathartic with enough underlying yearning to stimulate any aggressive tendencies. Having been playing shows and releasing material on the indie scene for awhile now, the group recently made the step up and signed with Initial Records. In turn they have compiled their previously released "Variations On A Theme" EP with a few newly recorded tracks to form this, their full-length debut, the simply titled "Variations". Initially those familiar with this style of music will likely draw comparisons to groups like dredg, Kary and Failure, among others, but while there are resemblances, Paulson are more or less in a class of their own.

An intelligent foray into the spacier and more progressive strains of rock, the band revel in juxtaposing contrasting dynamic elements and therein lies their most alluring quality. Organic drums often take on relatively fast pacing with cat-like agility while plodding basslines become the proverbial wet cement, causing the pair to show off a predilection for dub/jam leanings. Meanwhile, precise spacey riffs drift along with a wispy air that is bookended by weighty rhythmic posturing and crisp distortion. This alone is enough to make for a curious listening experience, but the actual soul searching shown in the vocals that literally drip with heartfelt emotion is where things really begin to get interesting. Not only is an inspired and moving vocal performance dispatched, but an eerie vocorder effect is enlisted as well, adding numerous detached backups that give off a detached robot-like sterility.

Although they are becoming increasingly rare, there are still some bands out there who do make music from the heart and Paulson are one of them. The stirring journey they present through the intellectual spectrum of music is nothing but rewarding on all fronts. Inquisitive playing, curious contrasts and a wealth of dynamics all make for an entirely honest affair that comes off as modest rather than obnoxious. Indeed this avenue of expression usually becomes clouded with self-indulgence or brash acrobatics. This is not the case with Paulson however as they instead sound as though they are really searching for answers and maturing as individuals through the mere playing of their songs. Sure some may find that their material may not be entirely all that different on a track by track basis. Some may even find it to be too ponderous or meandering. But for those who can appreciate it, "Variations" is exactly what its title suggests, a non-deliberately varied effort that stands out night and day in a time where artists are all to often influenced by the almighty dollar and the latest trends.