Song of the Day

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December 9, 2024

Paper Sister: “Brain Drain”

By: Jack Anderson

Post-punk and shoegaze are both sure things when it comes to instant moodmakers. But when paired with chilly weather, overcast skies, and everyone in long sleeve fashion better fit for Portland or Seattle…yeah it definitely hits differently. And if you’re itching for that brisk mix of nippy napes, visible breath and a feast of fuzz for your ears this week, we’ve got good news.

There’s a new sibling in town: Paper Sister. Inspired by Pumpkins, PJ Harvey, Pixies, and a plethora of other ’90s alternative darlings, this Austin four-piece contextualizes those decade-defining influences against a idiosyncratic backdrop of latticed guitar layering and effects-engulfed vocals for their own reimagining of the Lollapalooza ’94 sound. And though as of this publication, we only have one studio single from the quartet, it’s enough to prove that Paper Sister’s setting themselves up to be a formidable act rather than flimsy one.

Fortunately though, Paper Sister is promising the release of more singles across the upcoming Winter season going into next year. So while you could just stay at home and patiently await the next pressing from Paper Sister, you could also see their latest set live at a show 10PM tomorrow night at Hotel Vegas opening for The Distraits at 10:45 and Silver Hour at 11:30 and another one this Saturday at Knomad. Need the fuzz right now?

Well, since your mind may still be scrambled from the weekend, go ahead and put it into prime post-punk shoegaze shape with the beautifully-bleak downtempo mid-fi magic of “Brain Drain”, a three-minute distorted drone that gives us a great glimpse of our footwear while we bob along and obey the beat with an occasional sway of arms.


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