Bands inspired by Californian psychedelics from the late 60s are plentiful, bands that make music of the beauty of Papercuts’ “Past Life Regression” are extremely rare. “Past Life Regression”, is the seventh album by the American band Papercuts, only needs a few notes to drag you back decades in time. Let the album of the band from San Francisco come out of the speakers, close your eyes, and you imagine yourself in the California of the ‘summer of love’. The great thing about Papercuts’ music is that on the one hand it sounds wonderfully authentic and nostalgic, but on the other hand the band around Jason Quever subtly incorporates influences from a much later date.
Jason Quever has been releasing timeless dream pop as Papercuts since 2004; his new album “Past Life Regression” is a journey into the dreamier reaches of psychedelic folk-pop that digs deep into influences as wide-ranging as The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, Spiritualized, Echo & The Bunnymen, Leonard Cohen and late 60s pop of various flavours.
Jason’s songcraft, arranging and production are immaculate as always, reflecting his broad experience and enlivened by his move back home to the San Francsico Bay Area. It’s remarkable that after more than 15 years he’s writing his best songs and in “Past Life Regression” has made his finest record. Gorgeous, perfectly constructed chamber pop for the very unusual times we’re living through.
“Past Life Regression” is an album to dream away from, but in the meantime you don’t want to miss a note of all the musical splendour on this album.
Taken from the forthcoming album “Past Life Regression,” out April 1, 2022 on Slumberland Records/Labelman.
The Fat Angel Sings 