The simple fact that Paint Fumes are still a recording and performing band in the year 2023 is nothing short of a miracle. The band’s backstory includes several emergency room visits, a near death experience, stolen gear and being in the wrong place at the wrong time (i.e., being in Italy when the COVID pandemic hit). For more on the unlikely route to Paint Fumes new LP Real Romancer, read this interview with Elijah von Cramon by S.W. Lauden.
But let’s focus on the music. What stands out with Real Romancer is that Paint Fumes has never sounded this catchy. You’ve got to hand it to Dig! Records and Bachelor for releasing arguably two of the finest powerpop records of 2023 just a month or so apart. The other record I am referring to is The Whiffs’ latest LP Scratch ‘N’ Sniff of course. And while The Whiffs and Paint Fumes have always operated in different corners of punky and hooky guitar pop universe, they have never sounded this close – although both bands’s take on the Stiff Records logo for the album art of their respective records If It Ain’t Paint Fumes It Ain’t Worth A Huff (2016), and Take A Whiff! (2017) should have been an indication that they share strings of DNA. Anyhow, Real Romancer is prime quality power pop. I’m always on the lookout to discover songs like Callin’ Out, Book Of Love, Starting Over and Can’t Stand It. But honestly, all of Real Romancer is essential listening. Rock-‘n’-roll is alive and kicking, and so are Paint Fumes.