"Post love-affair hatred burnt onto a plastic disc. When a serious relationship turns sour, the resulting anger, desperation, blame and self loathing can easily turn into a veritable tsunami of ugly, dangerous situations. The Paper Chase singer John Congleton knows how this feels and he put it all on display for us to hear. This is an album of pure emotion, although it is far, far darker and more frightening than anything falling under the emo banner. Rampant, almost Jesus Lizard-esque, filthy post-hardcore squalls back up Congleton confessions like the soundtrack to an evil psychological thriller. And with song titles like I Did A Terrible Thing and A Little Place Called Trust and indeed the album title itself, you can feel the pain in the man's heart running through every contorted note. Uneasy listening in every sense, but quite, quite brilliant nevertheless."
"you are not the innocent'
g33kgrrlpi | Columbus, OH United States | 10/18/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I stumbled on the paper chase when I happened to see them live one night. I stood staring at the stage with my mouth wide open, completely amazed at what I was hearing. I immediately bought "Young Bodies Heal Quickly, Don't They" and "Cntrl - Alt - Delete - U" and listened to them almost daily. A few months later they came back through, bringing this CD with them. At first when I listened to it, I didn't like it as much as the first two. After a few more listens, though, I think this is one of the most brilliant albums I have ever heard.
The song titles alone are amazing. Each title tells a story, and you need to think about them whilst listening to the album. The recording should best be listened to as a whole, with each song fitting well with every other song. The album is at once incredibly disorienting and strangely uplifting. It's also achingly beautiful.
I won't even try to describe the paper chase, because it's too hard. All I can say is listen to this album, and you won't regret it. It is one of the most evocative things I have heard in my entire life. Pianos, bass, guitar, drums, samples, organs, and one of the most interesting vocalists working today all add up to an amazing piece of work."
AmAzing..the pAper chAse hAve done it AgAin
Robert Dyer | 04/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First, off pAper chAse is amazing...I'm way late for writing a review on this album, considering their next amazing album is going to be released a month after I write this. Anyways...this cd is has every element you need. Scary, weird, fun...laced with brilliant tallent. GO see their show. I've seen in 7 times. It's seriously an addiction for myself, A pAper chAse cult member."
Dood!!!!!
Robert Dyer | 08/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"On their second full-length release and third overall, Dallas' the Paper Chase (or the pAper chAse, as they like to have it spelled) have quite obviously made their best album to date. This four-piece has gotten through the occasional annoying traits that harried the group on previous outings, working out a series of songs that breathes success. While their first album, Young Bodies Heal Quickly, You Know was unique and creative, it was pestered by the lack of an appreciable structure, knowing that it wanted to be appreciated by a wider audience, yet still delving into the noise and chaos genres that bands such as Black Dice and Merzbow are known for. While those styles are great in and of themselves, it was obvious the pAper chAse were having identity problems. The situation continued to a lesser extent on their follow-up EP on Divot Records, CTRL-Alt-Del-U. The emphasis on rhythm and drive and a dedicated focus to direct the message with a more palatable approach has helped the band overcome any previous falterings to make a successful album of 13 manic, chaotic, and frantic songs. Utilizing samples, noise, and the occasional saxophone, this brilliant quartet has once again served up an album that delves into frontman John Congleton's panic-stricken mind. Hide the Kitchen Knives is quite clearly the pAper chAse at their best: pissed off, scared, panic-striken, and giving listeners one hell of a wonderful ride."
Some people just don't get it
Justin Elliott Jones | Texas | 10/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Paperchase is a great band, as long as you can multi-task between everything they do. But thats not really why I wrote this. To anyone who said "If you want real sad music, go check out Bright Eyes"
Yeah... you should be punched in the throat for saying that. Paperchase and Bright Eyes are nowhere near each other musically. This is avant garde/noise, Bright Eyes is folk music. So quit comparing the two.
And if you actually LISTENED to the lyrics, they aren't really "Oh Im a sad tragic soul in an unforgiving world" type lyrics.
Now if you don't like it, that's fine, not everyone will. But please, quit it with the Bright Eyes. Conor will not have sex with you for mentioning his band in every review."