Paper Pools Captures the Enduring Power of Love on '25 Years'

Meet Allen Orr, a Los Angeles-based indie rock artist, producer, and designer who performs under the moniker Paper Pools. With a strong belief that uncertainty is a gift and should be embraced, Orr's music delves into the complexities of life, love, and time. His latest album, Everything, marks a significant departure from his earlier work, venturing into more mysterious and emotionally complex terrain.

One of the album's standout tracks, '25 Years,' offers a glimpse into Orr's personal life as a father to twins Poppy and Roan. The song's refrain, 'love will be our lullaby,' is a poignant reflection on his role as a parent, grounding the song's themes of uncertainty and growth in a deeply human experience. Sonically, the track begins in a murky, lo-fi haze, filled with static, fuzz, and intimate vulnerability. As Orr sings, 'I got 25 years to hold you,' and later, 'I got 25 years to teach you, baby,' the sentiment gains weight as a driving synth line emerges and a propulsive beat takes hold, transforming the song into an expansive indie rock anthem.

The vocals on '25 Years' sit high above the mix, carrying a distorted, alt-rock edge that feels as though it's being projected through a reverberant megaphone. This effect seamlessly blends with the track's atmospheric scope, enhancing its expansive and immersive quality. It's a powerful song that says much through repetition, exploring the idea that time is both finite and infinite.

Through the lens of Orr's role as a father, the track reflects on the limited years he has to guide his children and show them the path forward. Yet at its core, '25 Years' is less about the passage of time and more about the enduring power of love that exists within it. As Orr explains, 'When you're younger, you hope to set a direction and say, 'Life is going to go that way.' As you get older, you realize you can't control much of it. The journey becomes more important.'

Orr's role as a father has given him a renewed sense of purpose and clarity, shaping not only his outlook on life but also the themes that run throughout his album. This newfound perspective is a testament to the transformative power of parenthood, allowing individuals to reevaluate their priorities and find meaning in the unknown.

As Paper Pools continues to evolve and push the boundaries of indie rock, '25 Years' stands as a poignant reminder of the importance of love, time, and uncertainty. By embracing the complexities of life, we can find strength in the unknown and discover new purpose in our journey.

With the release of Everything, Paper Pools invites listeners to explore the depths of human experience, where uncertainty and love intertwine. As we embark on this journey with Allen Orr and Paper Pools, we're reminded that the beauty of uncertainty lies in its ability to shape us, to transform us, and to make us more human.