This is fine.
Having been a long-time fan of Jason Quever’s project Papercuts, I’ll say I was a little disappointed in Austin on Tuesday night, as very few people showed up to see some of the great music the band had to offer up. Opener Banjo or Freakout also deserve some recognition, as they definitely put me on notice.
| Date | Tuesday, April 5th |
|---|---|
| Location | Emos |
| Doors | 900p |
| Tickets | $10 @ the Door |
If you’ve been following our site, or just the Internet in general, the odds are you’re well aware of Jason Quever and Papercuts. His control over melodies, as well as his lush arrangements in the studio, have made me a huge fan of everything he does. He’ll be in town at Emos on Tuesday, supporting the recent release of Fading Parade, and it’s a magnificent album, as you can read HERE. Jason’s a busy fellow, so he doesn’t tour too often, which makes this a must see show, aside from the fact it’s going to be ridiculous anyways. Also, you can catch another up-and-comer, Banjo or Freakout, who’s been making waves over the last year or so. Sounds like a pretty decent way to kick off this most excellent April music line-up in Austin.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/01-Do-You-Really-Wanna-Know.mp3]Download: Papercuts – Do You Really Wanna Know [MP3]
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Jason Quever always seems busy, whether producing other people’s work, or writing his own tunes. Regardless, it seems that everything he touches somehow finds its ways to my ears, eventually leading to massive amounts of pleasure. On Fading Parade, his fourth record as Papercuts, that’s precisely what you’re going to get, endless spends of moving music that will never tire.
Something about the guitar line opening “Do You Really Want to Know” hinted at perhaps a more light-hearted Quever to open up this album, but as soon as those densely coated vocals entered the scene, I knew deep down that this was already going to be an exceptional listening experience. The climbing guitar in the background, those precision drumming moments, all lead you towards blissful listening. “Do What You Will” brings in the same sentiment, especially as Jason’s voice soars during the chorus, though that breathy quality he has for the duration of the song really gets to me. Going two for two isn’t a bad way to begin Fading Parade.
It’s when you hit the third track, “I’ll See You Later I Guess” that the newest Papercuts release really began to sink in, emotionally seeking. This tracks a slow-burner, similar to the work of a band like The New Year, yet as always, the production coats it in that heavy bit of fog, giving it a quality that seems to speak to you from the beyond. Yet this isn’t the only track you’ll find on here that’s going to really move you, if you’re into a headphones listening experience. “The Messenger” is perhaps one of the best songs Quever has written to date. Slowly the song creeps forward, suddenly offering up a bit of unsteady vocals, before returning to the quiet mood. Beware, these songs are begging you to listen again and again.
Tracks such as the aforementioned “The Messenger” offer a slight alteration in the overall sound of your everyday Papercuts recording. Take for instance, “Winter Daze,” which gently tip-toes along with down-trodden piano. Sure, that effortlessly warm pop element you’ve found is definitely a staple in Quever’s repertoire, but there’s new territory being explored, structurally especially. In the past Jason’s possibly rushed forth with the unfolding of melodies in his tracks, but instead he barely lets the melody escape on this number, which makes it all the more powerful. It’s the same sort of technique you find on album closer “Charades,” another track that gradually relinquishes its hold on melody and ecstasy.
Long have I been a fan of Jason Quever, and the more work he produces, the more I’m amazed at his gifts as a songwriter. Fading Parade shows him in complete control of every aspect he’s worked on since his debut, Mockingbird. It’s not like he’s really put out a single bad record, but something about the latest bit from Papercuts shows him creating art above and beyond what I would expect. This is not a dialed-in record; this is a record of great craftsmanship, and one you should all go enjoy now.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Papercuts_-_Do_What_You_Will.mp3]Download: The Papercuts – Do What You Will [MP3]
We already shared a new tune from Papercuts with you guys last month and now we want to throw another one your way today. As previously reported, the new album is called Fading Parade and hits stores on March 1st via Sub Pop. This new jam goes by “Do You Really Wanna Know” and gets us even more excited for the upcoming album.
Download: Papercuts – Do You Really Wanna Know [MP3]
I’ve been waiting for several weeks to get a little sample of new work from The Papercuts, after Sub Pop announced they would be bringing Jason Quever on board for his new album. Thankfully, Stereogum got it out before I went crazy, so we’ve got it here for you. The record, Fading Parade, comes out on March 1st, with this single hitting stores on February 1st. Jason’s music has really blossomed since his first album, adding more textures, blending his melodious voice, and each time, topping his previous output. His progression continues to lead me down a path of great enjoyment, so give this tune a try.
Download: The Papercuts – Do What You Will [MP3]
