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Paper Hands sparkles in Santa Rosa debut
By nick g | May 30, 2010
The debut of Michael Richardson’s (Benton Falls, The New Trust) new band Paper Hands last night at the Santa Rosa Art Collective was not that of a smooth, finely polished Los Angeles studio band. There were large gaps between songs, a few hesitations, and some parts of the songs could still use some tweaking. But the meat was there, even a few condiments helped it along, and it was delightful to hear Richardson’s voice and melodic guitar work on stage again after what seems like forever.
For those who aren’t familiar with Benton Falls, you’re only hurting yourself. It was the quintessential guitar harmony-driven band, with several melody lines played over each other in addition to great lyrics hidden inside the vocal work. When The New Trust began it’s life, Richardson’s guitar lines gave the punkish band a sophisticated but youthful edge. Each one was a hook. After he left, The New Trust never sounded the same. Not at all a bad thing, but it was almost a different band, heading in a different direction. One which I enjoy just as much, actually. But I’ve always missed Richardson’s guitar - until last night.
Hanalei opened with Brian Moss singing and playing electric guitar - an arrangement I haven’t heard him use before. I prefer the acoustic, but his songs are wonderful either way. Helen Earth followed shortly after, filling the barn-like space with lush electric guitar and electric piano, backed by steady bass pulse and excellent drumming. It was a very polished band, which is probably what made Paper Hands seem so unpolished. But realistically, PH was just rock and roll, man.
Ok, onto what they actually sounded like. Paper Hands is good live, which can mean they don’t translate to the studio. But in this case, I’m not afraid of that happening. The music is very followable and catchy, while not wading into the pool of poppy poop usually surrounding a catchy hook. There are memorable moments, and Richardson’s voice blends perfectly with his guitar. The four-piece (2 guitars, bass, drums, with Dio McLeod [Edaline] and Kevin Bucholtz [Kid Dynamo / Santiago]) is rounding out a new sound quite nicely, but some parts seemed like they weren’t quite finished yet, or maybe the instrumentation needed work. I can’t compare them to another band, because they don’t draw any immediate comparison. Think of Benton Falls, now think of the same lead guy playing in a different band as the lead guy. That’s what they sound like. With a start like last night, though, it’s going to be very fun to watch this band mature into indie-cult status. Like Jawbreaker, Sunny Day Real Estate, or, to a lesser extent, The Wunder Years. Maybe that last one is just me.
And finally, The New Trust played its first show with new guitarist Chris Brum. The addition of a second guitar - which is how the band recorded its first two albums - is just what they needed. As a lead, it frees up the bass to run its dirty, sassy mouth, and thickens up the sound of the band as a rhythm. And Brum is no slouch of a player, either. He hammered out those quick little ditties from the old albums like popcorn.
By the way, if you haven’t checked out the Art Collective (on 6th St. and Wilson, near Aroma’s), you should. An interesting space coupled with some unique local art or many kinds. Just stop by one afternoon or check out a show there. It’s well run, clean and the sound is actually decent for live music. And there are lots of people you probably know hanging out there already.
Topics: Music News |