Reviews

Paul and Lara Layton are a brother and sister duo from California who border on genius level when it comes to making music. Together, the two mash together sounds of The Beatles, Abba and the B52's to make this album full that brings back the 80's while jumping forward into the sounds of futuristic pop. "Grand Design" easily becomes a welcomed addiction and an intense fascination.  Paul Layton refers to himself as a music "architect." While keeping that in mind, think of this album as the Eiffel Tower. It reaches to new levels where a genre just can't be determined. Call it something Indie, something experimental, something pop. Whatever it is, it's an experience all it's own. Paul plays the part of composer, musician, arranger and conductor all at once while maintaining a modest way of life and never casting his fellow performer and sister in the shadows. His deep understanding for the concept of music theory is entirely eminent as he puts together song after song, mastering the digital world. Whoever says that because something is digitally put together, it is not real music, has obviously never met Paul Layton. Layton, I predict, will soon join the ranks of breakthrough artists such as The Mars Volta and release their influence and talent on the rest of the United States and then possibly the world. It's not every day that a band comes out of nowhere and makes tidal waves with their debut album. Watch out for this one in the months to come.