Pager’s new single, “2PAGEU,” is an electric splash through something that is somewhere between debilitated infatuation and digital narcissism. The track stuffs more than 13 page references into a landscape that’s both retro and futuristic. With managed hyperpop vocals that wind their way around fuzzy retro synths, Pager once again proves that they’re masters of mixing humor, heart, and DIY ingenuity.
The song’s appeal lies in how it navigates the world of online relationships, finding humor and quirks in the same way that Screenlife captures the idiom of digital flirtation with a wink. Each vocal tweak and synth swell feels intentional, teasing the listener into a space where memories coexist with modern connectivity. It’s a song that sounds immediately familiar, yet thrillingly new, the musical equivalent of getting a page on a pager you never knew you had.
In keeping with tradition, “2PAGEU,” which contains the hit, was self-produced in bedrooms and assembled through remote file sharing, epitomizing the scrappy, hands-on ethic that has characterized Pager’s output since day one. This low-budget approach isn’t just a choice that lends the track some character, but also underscores the intimacy and immediacy of its lyrical content. This gives it a personal touch, even though it’s digitally mediated.
Outside of the studio, Pager’s energy is clearly paving the way for live shows, ensuring an era that’s as large as it is cheeky. The care they have put into soundscapes, together with their tell-tale tongue-in-cheek lyricism, makes it a bold step on the band’s own voyage. “2PAGEU” is no mere song, it’s a mission statement. Pager is dialing up the creativity and charm to the max in ways that are sure to be addictive and keep folks listening, as much through headphones as in a living, breathing crowd.
Follow Pager on Instagram