Paper Lions

Paper Lions formed in August 2001 from the remnants of two Atlanta bands, Some Soviet Station (Jesse, Chris, and Justin) and At The Price Of The Union (Josh). Both bands achieved local and regional notoriety in the punk scene, often playing shows together, and more importantly forging friendships with one another.

When the Some Soviet Station drummer left the band, the remaining members didn't hesitate to call Josh, since At The Price Of The Union had just broken up. Forgoing their old band name, the foursome dubbed themselves Paper Lions and started to develop a more rhythm-driven and melodic approach toward songwriting while still keeping their punk roots intact. After six months of intense songwriting, Paper Lions played their first show in February of 2002. After only their second show together, Kindercore Records offered them a recording contract.

Paper Lions debut album The Symptom and The Sick is due out on Kindercore Records on February 25, 2003. Produced by David Barbe (formerly of Sugar, Mercyland) at his Chase Park Transduction recording studio in Athens, GA, The Symptom and The Sick feels completely fresh yet familiar at the same time. Paper Lions’ influences of late ’70s post-punk and the 1980s Dischord Records sound are clear, but the intricate rhythms and aggressive melodies pull them away from direct comparisons, allowing Paper Lions to stand out on their own.

Lyrically, Paper Lions delve into larger than life twisted tales of human interplay, dramatic personal accounts of relationships gone awry and politically-tinged songs about social inequities in American culture.

Jesse's effortlessly powerful voice convincingly drives these strange tales over Chris and Josh's tight, yet off-kilter beats, while Jesse and Justin's interweaving guitars cut a path through the songs' dark and twisted terrain.

As impressive as the Paper Lions record is, their live show is really something to see. On stage, they combine the power and complexities of the album with an electric chemistry unique to such a young band. It's as if these guys have been playing together for eight years, not eight months.

And hopefully they'll be together for eight years and more, because based on the early returns, Paper Lions are in for the long haul.