Pan Am Down - One - Music & Performance - CD

Pan Am Down started as a solo project by Joshua Kraemer (Ultra Cindy/Collider/Her Sparkle Dims) in Brooklyn, NY while he was a NYC Transit Worker. He recorded 'One' which was released 2/17/09 on Imperfect Smile Records. After a short solo tour of the Northeast, the decision was made to move back to Norfolk, VA and build a band around what he had started. As things always seem to find a way of coming together, the new Pan Am Down line up is right where it needs to be with the addition of Ralph Bautista (Collider & Her Sparkle Dims), Tiffany Riley (No Flowers for Him) and Justin Trauger. The band looks forward to getting back into the studio this summer to record an EP, to be released in early fall on Imperfect Smile Records. REVIEW: The Big Takeover 64; Pan Am Down, 'One' by Mark Suppanz Guitarist/singer JOSHUA KRAEMER was previously in Virginia shoegazers ULTRA CINDY, who released an LP called Mermaid's Parade, and appeared on Brilliant/Spin Art's Wyatt's Torch compilation in 1994. After stints with DAMIEN JURADO, SUPERCHUNK, and THE WEDDING PRESENT, the now Brooklyn-based Kraemer returns with this new project. Here he plays more stripped-down, introspective acoustic (and occasional electric) folk-pop, handling virtually all the instruments, even doing his own harmonizing. The ominous moniker (referencing the now-defunct airline where my uncle coincidentally worked for many years) is perhaps an allegory for the despondent subject matter, in which Kraemer addresses themes of lost love, regret, and missed opportunities. But it's Kraemer's graceful, comforting croon, a genuine willingness to bare his soul, and his attractive, resonant playing, that will keep you absorbed throughout. (imperfectsmilerecords.com) Review: Brick Weekly, Richmond, VA Events Do It | Pan Am Down Sarah Shay March 18, 2009 As Joshua Kraemer, he's a New York City Transit employee living in Brooklyn and a former member of Norfolk-based '90s shoegazers Ultra Cindy. As Pan Am Down, he's a singer-songwriter touring his acoustic indie-pop down the East Coast, stopping in Richmond on March 22. After the Ultra Cindy years and later playing with numerous acts such as Damien Jurado and Superchunk, Kraemer took several years off from music. Pan Am Down is the project that brought him back to writing and performing after his sabbatical, and he hasn't wasted any time getting back into the thick of it. He's already released a full-length album, titled One, which was preceded by the aptly named Three Songs EP, and is touring in support of the album. Spending four years working in a big city transit system may have had some effect on Kraemer's return to music, for who could spend that much time surrounded by the masses of humanity and not find the inspiration for a few songs? The songs on One seem to show some influence from the stories and experiences one is bound to gather in such a diverse working environment. One of the songs, "Tomorrow's Silence," even includes a mention of Richmond. Hey, that's us! Though Pan Am Down's music is acoustic, there's a distinct influence from Kramer's shoegazer past. The tracks on his new album feature a band, with smart, subtle arrangements accompanying Kraemer's guitar and plaintive, atmospheric vocals, giving his simple but solidly written songs an orchestral yet dreamy air. Though he tours solo, I can imagine these songs translating well to the guy-and-a-guitar aesthetic...

• Pan Am Down - One - Music & Performance - CD
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