Coming out swinging with the funk laden Stand Up, 73 Paces' impressive self-titled debut effort is one of those albums that will always seem to have it's place in your cd changer. Melodious pop, southern rock, and acoustic jams unite in one of the most well constructed independent releases of the year - a compilation rife with evocative moodiness, funky bass lines, and songs you just can't help singing along to. The fervent lyrics of Van Colson are manifested in How You Feel and When You're Gone, while the band proves they're not afraid to let loose on edgier tracks such as Decubitus. 73 Paces is a much needed break from the all too pedestrian pop-alternative radio of today.