Wishing for other places, different sounds
Kids in Regina could eat this album up.
I say that because Paper Cranes’ songwriting team has penned one song in particular that eloquently portrays two of the most dominant complaints made by young Saskatchewan residents: everyone knows everyone else and everyone insists their city sucks and they want to get out. That lyrical theme also pops up again in the following track, “Occidental Accidents,” with its refrain of, “The wrong city in the wrong state.” The sentiment is interesting, considering the band doesn’t hail from Regina, nor does it hail from the inner prairies. They’re based out of Victoria, BC, which is somewhat ironic as a lot of disaffected Saskatchewan youth would hold up that city as their ideal hometown due to their prominent art and music scene (as well as the sun-soaked, no-snow lifestyle).
But geographical disaffection aside, “Black Centipedes” serves as a pretty strong example of the archetypal sound Paper Cranes are striving for on Chivalry’s Dead. It boasts a popping bassline, skronking alto saxophone (complete with solo), and some jazzy cowbell in the chorus. Like the album as a whole it has a very strong 80’s vibe, combining the dance and rock elements of the coke-and-parties decade into a fusion that hipsters are sure to love. There are undercurrents of old Cure and Elvis Costello LPs in play as well. The Costello comparison manifests in lead singer Ryan McCullagh’s voice on some tracks (especially “Telephone”); its not quite the smoothest set of pipes you’ll ever hear, but he sings with plenty of conviction and has a great grasp on melodic twists and turns. There’s a Costellian musical arrangement here and there as well (”Occidental Accidents”).
Quite a number of tracks utilize dance elements to give the songs a propulsive energy. Opener “Chivalry’s Dead” almost sounds like Depeche Mode at times, especially in the chorus’ vocal melody. A slinky bass line and chiming guitar chords give the tune a sludgy feel, but some soaring vocals and glitchy keys serve as a strong counterpoint at the end of the track. “Thorazine Shuffle” opens with a bouncy piano line that continues throughout. Its also one of several songs that features some classic horn refrains to punch up the chorus. The horns are a repeating presence on a number of songs, lending what once was a standard trope of AOR tunes a new relevancy in an indie rock context. Lead singer Ryan McCullagh also lends his smooth alto sax sounds to another solo on “the Cavalier,” a loping track that sees him employing a keen falsetto during the chorus as well. The multi-instrumentalist also flexes his pipes on “Telephone,” which features a harmonica solo that is downright sassy.
The album ends as strong as it began with “Solid Clouds” and “Ice Burgs.” The former is a solid waltz with a gentle strain of piano, strings, and glockenspiel that float in and out of the mix with a surfeit of cumulousness. Running only 3:19, it features a powerful build in the last minute or so that comes to a head in a dizzying fog of gypsy sounds that make the transition to the next track all the more impressive. “Ice Burgs” begins almost like an old Modest Mouse track, a measured kick drum and airy, cresting strings accompanying an finger-picked electric guitar figure while McCullagh sings of a cold, distant landscape of feelings that could be plucked from the Moon and Antarctica.
I am mighty impressed with this little record, and the fact that it comes so closely on the heels of last year’s Halcyon Days makes it even more impressive. Paper Cranes manage to find an admirable cohesiveness throughout, which is no small feat considering the avalanche of ideas, textures, and sounds crammed into just eight songs and 30 minutes. Perhaps the isolation of living on an island has helped the band avoid most of the modern memes currently consuming North America’s indie rockers. Regardless, this is an album that is conscious of rock music’s past even as it pushes it into the future. Highly recommended.
Paper Cranes - Black Centipedes [3:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Paper Cranes - Chivalry's Dead [3:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadThe album drops this Tuesday (Aug 18th) from Unfamiliar Records. Presumably you’ll be able to order it through the Sonic Unyon webstore, but if that doesn’t work they’re still carrying the bands first full-length. The awesome Zunior has it too, hopefully the new one will be added.
