Bruce Almighty!
Yes friends we hail the return of our dear brother in Rock Ben Samson and his merry new band, Paper Mill, and as you will find they are anything but run of the mill. An EP heavily laden with hoarsey, coarsey vocals, tub thumping drums and gripping guitars, it is a bold step back into the fold.
Opener ‘Bruce’ is a firecracker; it jumps out of the speakers and latches on like rabid dog. It fizzes and busies itself around your ears, this is the annoying fly in the room you want to keep forever. There is a heartening ‘nobody wins unless we all win’ which gives succour to the lost and left behind. We have a fruity ‘woah woah’ chorus at the finish to light up the crowd. Next up is ‘Get Real’ and the lyric ‘I’m amazed that we didn’t get arrested’ is quirky yet honest and tells of antics when we were young and reckless. The video is on point too; when the pinata yields office equipment, yes folks it’s time to grow up. A ravenous mix of emo/pop punk, their work is catchy and cuddlesome, with a raw, frosty edge. Let’s hear it for the great British cuppa, it gets a well -deserved mention in ‘Dens In Your Front Room’ a song that instantly transports you to childhood and building forts from bedsheets and towels. It’s quite warm and friendly and enticing, like the froth that sits on top of a cup of coffee.
‘Lock and Key’ also focuses on our worldly woes, a little dishevelled and unkempt we all are, reeking sadness and longing for sympathy and understanding. Things get wired and weird with ‘Black Mirror’ and we dive headfirst into a patch of stinging nettles for the acerbic finish.
The band have captured the spirit of feeling withdrawn, a little weathered even, but there is camaraderie and a way forward out of the chaos.
Lace up your boots and let’s take a stroll past the west way, for a taster plate like this, you should be grateful.
Paper Mill – Past The West Way EP out now via self-release.