IIII

I don't do many reviews, but when I do I usually choose an album/band that I feel are really very good, but also overlooked on this site. Quite simply Papir's latest deserves more than one review and will delight many if they take the time to listen. It is a release from the brilliant El Paraiso record label (home of causa sui) which I would urge anyone to check out.

This album is the best place to start with Papir, and indeed it is their best album. This is due to the immediacy of the melodies and the tight focus; Papir have finally perfected their formula of sprawling, kraut infused, psychedelic instrumental excursions. They craft sometimes jazzy hypnotic sections that build into soaring and heavy crescendos. Each instrument is played brilliantly, and I love it when bands use bass as harmony instead of just rhythm; here in particular it is impressive how the drummer is often the rhythm section by himself!

The album kicks of with IIII.I (papir have disregarded song names) which is a great statement of what the band do. It begins with a hypnotic guitar passage backed up by an infectious bass line and energetic drums, immediately capturing your attention. This builds as the guitar begins to gather pace and solo while the rhythm bubbles beneath it, culminating in what could be described as a 'chorus' section with retro keys and and just an epic sound. The songs settles back into a playful and jazzy section before the guitar starts a post rock like ascendance and the drums become increasingly frenetic. The song is then shattered by a blistering psychedelic riffing section, which is actually pretty surprising, and showcases the bands versatility. More keys come in for an almost reprise of the chorus section before the song draws to a close. This song really does 'set out the stall' so to speak and really hammers home how focussed the approach in this album is. Everything in this songs sounds just as it should be, both sonically and compositionally, and the organic production by Causa Sui's Jonas Monk supports this.

The second song is a more relaxed affair, drawing a lot from space rock. I begins with a slow beautiful passage of simple guitar picking and an echo laden bass, accompanied by jazzy drumming. This transforms slowly into a captivating post rock crescendo, before settling back into a nice groove while the main motif of the song carries on echoing overhead. This song is very well composed, with the build up, release and the strong outro. The flow of the album on the whole is brilliant, both within and between songs.

Next is III, the opus. I shan't to an in depth description here, as there are many passages, and I feel that I have adequately given a picture of the bands sound already. What I will say is that this track is the most urgent that Papir have sounded and never outstays it's welcome. It twists and turns through distinct sections each one bringing something new and feeling like a natural progression. It ebbs and flows. It really is the album centerpiece, edging out the first track.

The last track (only on the CD, not the vinyl) is the shortest track and serves as a relaxing outro. Another brilliant bass line and inventive drums are present while there is some heavenly guitar soloing on top. It is a good end to the album.

In summary, Papir have perfected their formula, and released their best album yet. If you like Krautrock, Psychedelic music, Space rock, or simply organic and spontaneous instrumental music, Papir IIII is something you should explore, and you WILL get lost in it! It is music to really listen to, if you know what I mean. I can't recommend this album and the general El Paraiso label enough.

I reserve my five stars for rare occasions, so It'll be a very solid 4.