The first of multiple sessions that week, ours were the luckiest ears to catch the dynamic, post-hardcore brilliance of France's Papier Tigre as they paused for a Chicago show and a Coach House Session on their way to multiple sets at SXSW. With all that playing, it's obvious that they have no problem putting in the required time for making music and it shows in their command of their material. Precise, cohesive, and constantly in control of their ever-shifting sound, they worked equally well within the cozy confines of the Coach House as they did to an extremely receptive crowd at the Empty Bottle later that evening. And since that show, they've been on heavy rotation on my iPod. For those who don't know, this is what tight bands sound like. Make sure to take notes.
Mike