When Girls parted ways last year, frontman Christopher Owens wasted no time announcing his solo album. But long before their breakup, drummer Darren Weiss was quietly piecing together a new band in Los Angeles alongside his childhood friend Danny Presant. In 2011, PAPA released an EP laden with Americana-inspired tracks, and aptly titled it A Good Woman Is Hard To Find, in a nod to Flannery O’Connor. PAPA’s debut full-length Tender Madness is out next week. The album is practically dripping in E-Street Band influence (look no further than the 1-2-3 count-off and sailing introductory keyboard increments on the opening track “Put Me To Work”) but Weiss sings in such artfully-arranged monotone that he manages to tarnish the glistening instrumentals into something a little less recognizable. A good number of the tracks on Tender Madness are straight-up roaring anthems — songs for long car rides and staying up late — but PAPA’s strength as storytellers lies in their ability to chill out and step back. Tender Madness doesn’t go out with a bang. Instead, PAPA closes their debut with “Replacements,” a hazy ballad featuring the smokey voice of country singer Lydia Rogers, grounding the record in something sultry and nostalgic that lingers long after the final acoustic strum. Listen to Tender Madness and check out PAPA’s tour dates below.

09/30 Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop
10/01 Chicago, IL @ Schubas
10/04 Kansas City, MO @ Czar Bar
10/05 Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
10/18 Boston, MA @ House Of Blues Boston*
10/19 Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer*
10/21 Providence, RI @ Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel*
10/22 New York, NY @ Terminal 5*
10/24 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club*
10/26 Richmond, VA @ The National*

*With Cold War Kids

Tender Madness is out 10/08 via Loma Vista.