Rrocklobster of Perth

Paper Plains - Anaestalgia

Album Review

Originally an acoustic duo, Paper Plains were keen to lay down an album as soon as they had found the missing half of their band. Some of the tracks that feature on the album appeared on a previous split EP, but they’d rather you heard the songs complete with drums and bass on their debut album Anaestalgia. They recorded the album with Tom Ware (Grim Fandango).

The album covers a broad range of themes including loss of love and loss of life, as well as reflections on mainstream social values and global injustices.  Song writing is shared between band members, with many of the songs written by co-frontman Patrick Gengler. Although only 26 years of age, it seems that he has experienced unusually high levels of heartache and sorrow in recent years. A less structured, free-flowing style allows words to be squeezed into verses to produce elaborated emotional outputs.   

A jangly ringing riff introduces the album and suddenly the whole band is in full swing, with Gengler’s youthful voice sharing his receptiveness to being overwhelmed by memories of past emotions, in Letting Go. He breaks into full vocal flight in the chorus, and if you’ve ever felt anything in your life you’ll have to try hard to stop yourself from singing along. It’s an appropriate starting point for an album that is all about looking back.

Third track, Painting the Town, stands alone as happy song on the album. Gengler is like an excited child as he reminisces about the best of times with the best of friends at the Poison City Weekender (Melbourne). Guitar riffs at the start give a sense of adventure, and bright and happy chords continue throughout the song. Playful lyrics and choral sections encapsulate the party spirit and give the listener a sense that this song is about far more than just a bender.

There’s a lot of emotion to be felt in Alright, For Now. Drum beats suitable for the Edinburgh Tattoo and a gleeful tinny riff contrast the angst-fueled lyrics. Gengler’s usually acute voice breaks up with emotion in lines like “I don’t know if I’ve got the strength.” As if exhausted from the intense emotional output, the vocals fade and some pro shredding by Matt Rickwood rounds out the track.

Rickwood’s grainier and more aggressive voice adds depth and contrast in tracks like Mixtapes and Chivalry, Lion King and Tusk.  Drummer Dave Meyrick makes full use of the drumkit to accent and complement each moment of ebb, flow and climax in the album and Jess Allen’s bass (highly regarded by other members of the Perth music community) slips seamlessly into the myriad of guitar tones.

Anaestalgia encompasses a series of very personal and yet relatable tales of the human experience: heartbreak and disappointment and a determination to carry on. Listen to expose yourself to them feels, bro.