Propulsive. Infectious. Thoughtful. A band that captures the idiosyncrasies of modern American life in their brooding compositions, building syncopated tension before revelatory climaxes. Funny Papers, the debut album from this Oakland, CA trio, takes cues from Wire and Sonic Youth to create a churning, nuanced record that’s never lacking in hooks.
The interplay between Nicholas Clark (drums) and Daniel Brown (bass) is something to admire, complimenting the cutting, angular guitar and rolling arpeggios that punctuate tracks like opener “Call Again”, while standouts like the soaring “Sleeping in Shifts” highlight Rob I. Miller’s (vocal, guitar) calm, cool delivery, and knack for emotive, memorable lines. Recorded and produced by Monte Vallier (Wax Idols, Weekend, The Soft Moon), repeat listens reveal the remarkable attention to detail behind Funny Papers. Textural slabs of noise delicately expand sparse arrangements into expansive, climatic ascents.
The bands notoriously air-tight, icy live performance garnered them recognition from Seattle’s KEXP, who named the trio’s live session as one of 2015’s top 10, and has seen the band supporting peers like Chastity Belt, Naomi Punk, True Widow, and Cold Beat. Previously, Mall Walk have released a cassette and 7” through Miller's own label, Vacant Stare Records. Funny Papers marks the bands first release for indie label Mt. St. Mtn (Male Gaze, The Mantles, Thee Oh Sees) and an exciting new chapter for the young band.