After two full lengths and a few EPs on Baltimore label Fall Records, songwriter Michael Nau and his bandmates in Page France caught the attention of Suicide Squeeze Records in 2006, inked a deal, then promptly re-issued their 2005 release Hello, Dear Wind to a very warm (re)reception. After receiving rave reviews from internet publications like Aversion, Splendid, Pitchfork, and 30music, the band held off their fan’s appetite for new music by releasing a short tour only EP called Tomato Morning. Finally in September 2006, the band found some time to hit up the studio and record what would become …and the Family Telephone, the band’s third studio album and first for Suicide Squeeze.

Slated for release on May 8th, …and the Family Telephone looks to show off a different side of the pop band. On ‘Hat and Rabbit’, one of two new songs released to the public, Nau’s delicately raspy vocals carry a more traditional band leader delivery, as opposed to the campfire sing-a-long style of Hello, Dear Wind. As for the music itself is pretty standard for the band, implementing a simple guitar riff, some soft percussion, and what sounds like a xylophone off in the background. Altogether, Page France sound more like a full band on ‘Hat and Rabbit’, which gives their music greater appeal in my opinion.

The other new track, ‘Me, Violin and Dancing Bear’, is even more of a departure for Nau, as he does his best Bob Dylan over a folky, barely audible acoustic guitar. Then, three minutes into the pleasant, slow-building pop song, the band suddenly breaks into this bouncy outro that manages to rock without being very loud or noisy at all. It’s a strange effect that Page France have always seemed to pull off very well, and this is no exception. With the growth and maturation shown on these two tracks, its no surprise that we’re excited to hear what’s up the rest of the band’s precious sleeve.

[mp3] Page France - Hat and Rabbit
[mp3] Page France - Me, Violin, and Dancing Bear

[stream] http://www.myspace.com/pagefrance