The Loons' 2004 album Paraphernalia introduces the full scope of their sound: Beatlesque vibes reincarnated in the form of post-punk fervency.

With hard rockers, alternative folk ballads, and retro pop hooks, the disc is reminiscent of Kinks rock operas of the late '60s. "Turned to Stone" and "Sweet Turns to Sour" capture the same kind of force, with the emphasis on the innovative use of feedback and vintage instrumentation. The lyricism does fall short due to simplicity and repetition. Take these lines from "Falsehood": "Watch what they say/ They're standin' in your way/ They're gonna make you pay/ Make the change today/ Pick the locks on your chosen cage/ Ain't it time to change." The biggest downfall is a lack of complexity. Still, the band pulls it off well, with each cut crafted into a well-performed singalong.

The voice of front man Mike Stax is indistinguishable from other indie vocalists, but he does hit a groove as he shuffles over the album's most memorable line, "Exploding jasmine seeds become our fantasy." The ballad "Follow the Rain" includes a background melody line that suggests a facet of complexity to the Loons' sound.

The disc's most striking aspect is the excellent fusion of psychedelic rock with pop. The album never abandons the New Wave and British Invasion influences sharpened with ambitious melodies and indie attitude.

-- "Hometown CD," 6-2-05

Songs:
1) Sweet Turns to Sour
2) Follow the Rain Down
3) Falsehood
4) Some Kind of Asylum
5) The Ghost of the Grey House
6) Turned to Stone
7) The Search
8) Craig Smith?
9) Getting Bitter
10) Another Life