The brainchild of
Jason Quever,
Papercuts is a very pleasing, lush and terribly sweet group. A prime example of this is "Dear Employee," which seems to mix the best attributes of
Arcade Fire and
the Hidden Cameras with the lush, orchestral touches of
Smashing Pumpkins circa Disarm. Meanwhile,
Quever isn't sticking to one sound or genre judging by the rich and yet at the same time dark Spaghetti Western feel hovering over a sugary "John Brown." However, the key to the song's success is how it switches gears near the homestretch, into a smart
Beatlesque pop nugget. Just as precious is the fine "Summer Long" that is led by
Quever's innocent yet heart-tugging delivery.
Papercuts is quite strong in making the most of a melody, especially on the pretty and tender "Unavailable" with its haunting, distant and at times heady vocals. The oddity or black sheep on the album might be the early
Dylan-esque ambling "Take the 227th Exit" which saunters along without much fanfare. Yet things quickly get back on the rails with the country-tinged "Outside Looking In" that is led by some fine harmonies. Everything
Papercuts seems to touch turns to gold, even if the title of "Just Another Thing to Dust" would suggest otherwise. Closing with another memorable track, "The World I Love," the album is a perfect example that timeless, classic pop still exists. ~ Jason MacNeil