Search - Paperchase :: Ctrl Alt Del U

Still on fire

12/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With their latest release Cntrl-alt-delete-u, The Paper Chase continues to blaze a trail in the world of indie music. The third release by the band sticks to the distinct sound that has developed over many years of writing and touring. At the first listen, the album comes off as a haunting, rock-fused record. Fans of other Divot Records releases by Lustre King and Hero of 100 Fights should enjoy the intensity with this album. Anyone can appreciate the message the band puts out through their music. The album cover explains Cntrl-alt-delete-u as a "soundtrack performed by the pAper chAse." The "soundtrack" that the EP is part of is no movie or television show. It is (as quoted from the CD booklet) "a commentary on the average human's reliance on technology and the division it has drawn between nature and such." The lyrics tie together the dynamic mix of heavy distorted bass, drums, guitar and piano that is, at times, thought-provoking and poetic. John Congleton's voice adds a certain dramatic, layered vocal flavor that is a key characteristic of the band. In addition to the basic rock lineup of guitar, bass and drums, Cntrl-alt-delete-u showcases many different effects of samples, keyboards and acoustic guitar. The lead track on the album, "Press any key to continue (part one, two, and three)" is built around a sequence of dark piano melodies and a sparse, distorted drum beat. The album differs from many records being released these days. Listeners more accustomed to more straightforward rock 'n' roll songs built around power chords and love lyrics will be disappointed. In some of these songs, powerful words are shouted, while the rest of the band helps back up the emotions with heavy, distorted sounds. "This is the return of the don't talk backs" is a good example when Congleton yells, "So don't you ever talk back to me," with blaring guitars at his back, supporting his energy.With Cntrl-alt-delete-u, The Paper Chase shows how they are continually improving upon past releases while still holding onto their original sound. An album from a band with such a unique style is worth listening to for anyone out there with a taste for something new."

Good soundtrack

atlk | 04/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i listen to about ten to fifteen bands each day trying to sort out the rubbish. sadly the good bands that are left are few compared to the junk that is around them. but this band is great. they have good ideas, interesting melodies and lyrics. brilliant rhythms. best of all they use any instrument in a way that it is not normally used..... piano like thurston moore guitars, or guitar like john cage piano....listen all by them and hear the way that they have progressed from the last EP's and short recordings to this, a slightly longer 'soundtrack'. this is great stuff, but the release after this is better....'young bodies heal quickly, you know'. Both show of their talent, sadly not many people stock the two EP releases previous to Ctrl alt del u. Best sound match is like a fugazi/sonic youth as played in a
john cage technique.has anybody else noticed the un-credited copy of the buzz online review of the album from' seattle music fan'?"

Weirdos

atlk | 12/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I hate to catergorize a style or group but if I had to give someone an idea of what pAper chAse sounds like I would have say imagine Sonic Youth with Thurston Moore as a piano player instead of a guitar player. This is a pop/rock group with punk sensibilities and industrial rhythms. John Congleton must have grown up really hating piano lessons or living in an industrial town. His piano playing is hard and very dynamic, rhythmic and percussive. This EP is chock full of bizarre images created by abstract lyrics and odd music. "Subject Two", the second song on the CD, is the strongest piece on this short little gem. "Don't you die on me now! /I can feel it coming on/The lights, the flash, the wings, the sun/Wall warts and wires." And with "Subject Three" "Hey God, you'll know I'm closing in/When the mountains fell when the steeples...they bend..."All in all, this is a very noble and daring effort. It doesn't quite stand up to their previous album, Young Bodies Heal Quickly, You Know, but they're along the same lines musically. The playing on Young Bodies... is tighter and the songs are a little more intellegent, plus it's longer, so you may want to check it out."