Papercuts – Fading Parade
Sub Pop has consistently supplied the masses with incredible groups like The Postal Service, Iron and Wine, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Mogwai. Not surprisingly then, they have proven this once again with Papercuts’ fourth album, Fading Parade. An interesting mix of complex, yet understated instrumentation, hazy vocals, and perfectly simplistic songwriting.
Sub Pop labels Fading Parade as “dream pop of the highest order” – I find that statement completely true and quite an accomplishment, but itsfatal flaw might be it is a bit too dreamy and definitely not in that cute 80′s guy way. It is lo-fi in a very polished way, something I appreciate, yet I still can’t shake the I’m-falling-asleep feeling. This is probably best listened to on a summer day, intoxicated by sun, and dripping laziness.
There’s a mellow ambiance created by Fading Parade. Like the world is collapsing around you, spinning slowly, and all you can do is stand and watch in awe as everything is enveloped in fog. Each track offers another realm of dreaminess, and because of the similar musical qualities and the different mood in each track, they are incredibly complimentary. In fact, the whole album plays very synched, as if it could be one 38 minute song, which is generally an indicator of a keen awareness and appreciation for overall composition.
“Chills” offers a love story about pills and clouds that has impeccable (and very simple) rhyme schemes, but the intriguing segment of this track is in the middle when there is this interruption by an indiscernible vocalist that doesn’t fit completely, but close enough. This is indicative of the many elements within the album that seem weird, but nevertheless support the quality of the album. The opening of “Marie Says You’ve Changed” intrigued me with its held notes and emotive lyrics in that I’ve-so-felt-that-way way. The track continues in this style which entices me even further and gets to me with an instrumental break just after the first half. This is the type of music that gives hope to those yearning for elementary songwriting that isn’t banal.
Papercuts is obviously going places in 2011: first Sub Pop release, SXSW, Urban Outfitters compilation. Whether or not one likes any of these things doesn’t matter, what does matter is these particular things have predicted indie greatness. Fading Parade is the love of your life evaporating slowly in front of your eyes, like the last float disappearing down main street.
Papercuts, Marie Says You've Changed
