Are you ready for some synthy gooey goodness?  That’s right, Faded Paper Figures are back!

The last time we heard from the trio they were taking a bit of a break to pursue some mundane hobbies (you know, teaching at Yale and stuff like that).  And just when I thought they had left us with a single album and an empty feeling in our chest, they deliver a brand new full length album.

The new album is called New Medium and comes complete with a full serving of electro-pop goodness, sweet sincere melodies, and complicated drum patterns.  As impressive as their debut album was, this new one sounds so much fuller.  And when I once compared them to Postal Service, they have progressed nicely into a sound that sits them right up there with the big names like Phoenix and Passion Pit.

That might be a bit unfair. In reality, much of the album is still leaning closer to their signature bleep-bloop sound and heart-warming midi melodies. But their overall presence this time around really takes things to the next level. But they by no means have lost what you loved about their first album. And that is that special facture that fulfills your fantasies of climbing up to a grassy hill and imaging life with the fondness of youth.

They definitely didn’t lose the cuteness in the vocals that made their sound become an experience that gave you a feeling of kinship with the band.  And as strange as it may sound, their new album seems a bit epic, a bit more exciting.

Their opening track Invent It All Again gives you a real sense of the richness and maturity the band has found.  You’ll be slowly bouncing your head to the synth bass and rapid beats, while at the same time following the story arc of the song.  And when John’s voice meets with Heather’s you will be forced to smile and sigh, “They’ve found each other.”

You can catch them on tour from late July through early August with stops in San Diego, Orange County, LA, Santa Barbara, SF, Portland, Seattle, and Salt Lake. Their final tour dates are still pending, but check their MySpace to make sure you get on board. And if you happen to be at the Los Angeles show I will buy you a beer, I promise.

Faded Paper Figures – Invent It All Again

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Here is another one from the new album called Small Talk:

You can buy their new album on iTunes.