PAPA is a young, L.A.-based duo of multi-instrumentalists Daniel Presant and Darren Weiss. In their short yet promising existence they’ve released an EP and a slew of singles, and PAPA is set to release its debut LP, Tender Madness, on October 8. They’re set up for a busy remainder of the year, with a tour itinerary that includes dates opening for Cold War Kids in addition to headlining U.S. and European tours. Considering the band’s sound, it should come as no surprise that PAPA’s music translates well live. They alternate between rootsy, anthemic rock a la Bruce Springsteen and synth-laden, ’80s-indebted pop a la Tears for Fears or Duran Duran.
“Young Rut” is the most recent single from Tender Madness and it’s as much of an earworm as recent tracks by Matt & Kim or Fitz and the Tantrums. With a “woo-ohhh-ohhh” sing-along and a snappy chorus, the song cements its radio-friendly demeanor. PAPA aren’t making music of the future by any means, but their songs consistently succeed in being catchy and fun.
By the looks of the tour schedule, it seems like PAPA is already doing well for itself and it’ll be interesting to see where Weiss and Presant’s career takes them. Tender Madness is out October 8 on UMG.