On their second full-length release and third overall, Dallas'
the Paper Chase (or the pAper chAse, as they like to have it spelled) have quite obviously made their best album to date. This four-piece has gotten through the occasional annoying traits that harried the group on previous outings, working out a series of songs that breathes success. While their first album,
Young Bodies Heal Quickly, You Know was unique and creative, it was pestered by the lack of an appreciable structure, knowing that it wanted to be appreciated by a wider audience, yet still delving into the noise and chaos genres that bands such as
Black Dice and
Merzbow are known for. While those styles are great in and of themselves, it was obvious the pAper chAse were having identity problems. The situation continued to a lesser extent on their follow-up EP on Divot Records,
CTRL-Alt-Del-U. The emphasis on rhythm and drive and a dedicated focus to direct the message with a more palatable approach has helped the band overcome any previous falterings to make a successful album of 13 manic, chaotic, and frantic songs. Utilizing samples, noise, and the occasional saxophone, this brilliant quartet has once again served up an album that delves into frontman
John Congleton's panic-stricken mind.
Hide the Kitchen Knives is quite clearly the pAper chAse at their best: pissed off, scared, panic-striken, and giving listeners one hell of a wonderful ride.