Not the Ollive Vee of Buddy Holly’s Rockin Around With Ollie Vee fame but rather a trio (now a quartet) whose music is none-the-less grounded in the sound of 50s rock ’n’ roll and rockabilly. They got together in their native Ontario over a shared dislike for much of the music that was then current preferring instead to write and record songs in a way that leaves you in no doubt about their particular musical preferences. Indeed Paper Hearts rocks around like the aforementioned Holly and sounds like it could have come out of a famed Lubbock Studio sometime back in the 50’s.
Although there is no denying the inspirations and influences the band have a sound that doesn’t feel like it belongs in a dusty museum. Rather it has a sparkle that is effervescent and addictive if you are at all attuned to that particular channel on the music dial. They have a relaxed, sometimes smouldering delivery that has none of the frantic pace that is often associated with some contemporary rockabilly combos. They are about writing catchy tunes with choruses and recording them in an understated style that creeps up on you as you listen. You feel then that these songs have been around for much longer than they have.
Ollie Vee make and play niche music that occasionally comes into vogue (Chris Isaak - Wicked Games) but usually exists outside the mainstream. Unless that are fortunate enough to have a song featured in a film or TV show that briefly shines the spotlight on their sound. That should not deter you rom checking the band out and having a listen to songs of the calibre of those included on their debut album. Looking for A Fast Time with its chugga-chugga Tennessee Two rhythm, the Orbison-esque ache of Underneath The Sparks, the r’n’b of Hip Shaking Baby, the late night twang of New Boots or the Sun stroked bass of Shinin’ Bright. That might sound like a sound that’s quite derivative and it is to a degree, a degree that may deter some looking for something sounding more contemporary, but it still stand squarely on it’s own stylistic feet. Which suggests that this particular Lonesome Girl might make new friends rather easily.