PRINTMusic Review: The Paperclips
This Warrensburg group takes country to a new level
Photo Courtesy of The Paperclips
Cover for The Paperclips' first EP, The Story.
October 29, 2009 | 12:00 a.m. CST
The name might refer to office supplies, but indie rock band The Paperclips isn’t the suit-and-tie type.
Far from workplace elevator music, The Paperclips are bringing what they call “muddy Mississippi” melodies to the Midwest. Hailing from Warrensburg, this homegrown band delivers a gritty, growling sound similar to Jace Everett’s “Bad Things” (think the opening credits of True Blood) on their first full length album, The Story.
Lead vocalist Jake Briscoe wrote, produced and mixed all 11 songs on the album, drawing on inspiration from some of the greatest names in rock ’n’ roll — Led Zeppelin, Elvis and Bob Dylan. The dirty guitar and crooning vocals in “10-lb Hammer” fit right in with the style of such 1960s stars. Let’s just say Michael Hyde would approve it for circle time.
Any whiskey aficionado will relate to upbeat track “Mr. Daniels.” This dance-rock ode to the one and only Jack Daniels is sure to start a party, especially with lyrics such as, “Well Mr. Daniels you know me so well/ One drink or two, and I’m straight to hell.”
For those with less of a dirty-rock taste, The Paperclips can also dish out an emo experience. The circus-y rhythm of the organ and keys in “Nothing Wrong With This Story” are reminiscent of Panic! At the Disco’s early works.
Unlike the many faux-rockers who have a cookie-cutter sound (sorry Nickelback), The Story features a different musical assortment with every song. Ranging from an indie sound comparable to The Killers in “I Will Walk Through the Garden” to the soft-sounding blues and saxophone performance in “Betta Getcha Move On” the album offers a wide variety that’s sure to get your foot stomp going.
If you’re into rockin’ rhythms, pick up a copy of the album at any one of their shows. If you missed the band’s performance at this year’s Bluebird Music Festival, the boys will be back in town Friday night at 9 p.m. at Mojo’s. Leave the loafers at the office, and bring your dancing shoes.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 30 at 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mojo's
COST: $3-5
