The Pathways, Boat of Confidence

reviewed by dave heaton

There's a temptation to compare the Pathways to Pavement. I've felt it, and I've witnessed the comparisons in print. They don't sound that much alike, but there is something useful in the reference. It's not just that both bands are guitar-bass-drums-vocals pop-rock bands who write catchy, melodic songs – both have fairly word-driven and sometimes humorous lyrics, an occasionally similar guitar sound, and a similar disposition towards lyrics that read like riddles.

The key difference is tone. Pavement and the many bands that took after them (early Weezer, for example) seemed to play a constant game of "are we being serious? Or are we not?", diving behind a smart-ass façade whenever sincerity began to raise its ugly head. The Pathways manage to sound completely down-to-earth and sincere, even though you'll still have no idea what their songs are "about". They elude meaning in a literal or narrative sense, but in that same way the songs are nonetheless filled with feeling. Oblique but not snarky about it, their songs move you and motivate you without directly communicating anything literal.

That mysteriousness combines with songcraft to make Boat of Confidence beautiful: an infectious and entertaining pop/rock album that's also filled with hidden corners and puzzling images. Singers David Yourdon and Evan Kindley trade off vocals over music that ranges from sharp, bouncy rock to slower, slow-motion haze. The lyrics come off as confessions, as slogans, as warnings, as poetry. Boat of Confidence is vivid and intriguing at every step, a riveting debut album that's both accessible and inscrutable, a friendly ghost.

{www.riylrecords.com, www.thepathwaysrock.com}