Quirky and fun - what more can you ask for?
It's somewhat difficult not to be biased by Paw Paw's press release's added little touch of cute pink and green cat stickers, but quirky touches like this are what make the band so undeniably unique and fun. They are a threesome of two girls and a boy who came together in 2005 after having contributed to records by auccessful pop artists such as Boy George and Emma Bunton; and 'Wired OK' is their first single.
Once the dirty beat of 'Wired OK' kicks in its impossible to stay still or not wish you were out clubbing in 1988; although there is a significant bite of modernity to the track that prevents it feeling out of date and keeps its overall impression retro rather than old-fashioned. Synths abound and spin around the track whilst catchy vocal harmonies move in and out of the forefront, all the while against a backdrop of an electro computer-generated bassline.
'Strange Reaction' is a slower track and therefore appears to belong better on the B-side, but musically it is just as strong as 'Wired OK', if not in fact a touch more sophisticated. Its sparser moments and gentle vocals call to mind Scandinavian bands such as The Knife and even Röyksopp at their poppier moments. The '5am Dread Mix' of 'Strange Reaction' is not vastly different, but it does have a slightly darker atmosphere and manages to avoid sounding over-remixed.
With any luck and justice in the music industry, Paw Paw will achieve the recognition they deserve. Judging from the tracks here they are instantly likeable enough for pop fans yet sufficiently quirky to appeal to fans of groups such as Le Tigre and Peaches.