Exhilaration of clever tact

Alt-rock power band from Belfast, Paper Tigers, are set to release their EP Graceless on April 29th, 2022 with Hayley Norton on vocals, Michael Smyth on guitar/vocals, Matt Miller on drums and Emma Rose on bass/vocals. This musical montage puts a spotlight on the feeling of self-inadequacy, the stipulations that come with the violation of self-illusion and an invasion into what was once conceived as a safe space. This album ventures into rocky terrain, focusing on a heavy analysis of self. With alluring guitar and drum pieces that are volcanic, passionate and impulsive in its deliverance, Graceless makes for a highly anticipated listen.

“Blue Light Trails” is a solid rally cry to escape the mundane routine of regularity, a flirtation with the idea of running full speed into the unknown. Paper Tigers manage to bury the daunting dreariness of monotony. It includes shaking lyrics such as, ”Face against the cold tile floor, resurrection in the afterglow,” which is an allusion to burn repetition and rise like a phoenix. As always, the spinal cord backings of the bass, drums and guitar shine through to create a marriage of harmony. 

As a nod to the EP itself, the title track “Graceless” is worthy of mention. “Graceless” is a fast track to the onslaught of inept thoughts and the crumbling of carefully constructed walls without any means of control which presumably lead to being left graceless. Adding to the enormity, each drum solo and guitar riff build up to a fervent embrace which burst apart the seams of fragility, leaving scorch marks in its wake. This song makes for a vivid look into the atrocities of self-doubt.

Another memorable track would be “Moloko.” “Moloko” starts out with a sultry guitar lick that culminates into a rougher stance of “no more.” It is a satisfying angle of crashing through the doors, instead of knocking. This song focuses heavily on an individual turning falsified words and actions into a gospel, something to be taken for at its word and worshipped, but then turning the tables and breaking away from whispered one-sided conveniences. “Moloko” quakes with an irresistible edge and grit that constantly grips the hands of true alternative rock.

Paper Tigers’ EP Graceless is exactly that in the best way possible. It is gritty, edgy, unapologetic and blunt. This EP does not shy away from the shuttering of careful attentiveness, but instead, it dances with wild, unimaginable, idyllic carelessness. This album vibrates with spirit and an abundance of endless energy.