This One Time, On Bandcamp: Papperbok

Another seven days, another seven disappointments if you, like us, also didn't win the lottery.

So, let's ease the crushing pain of existence together with another round of everyone's favourite music-discovery column that references a now-probably-pretty-problematic teen sex comedy from the turn of the millennium, which now that we're saying it out loud probably isn't painting the picture of cutting-edge relevance we're aiming for here.

This week, we're taking it outside the bedroom to bliss out to the sweet psych-pop/alt-rock of the only band in this series so far to have possibly been named after a Monty Python product.

Papperbok — Brisbane, Qld

Queensland five-piece Papperbok may have only just released their debut full-length, but they've been kicking around the Brisbane live scene for close to a decade. Having been honing their skills together since 2008, they released their first EP, Sing It Out, in October of 2011 before taking their time crafting their first LP, Girlk.

The album, which is the product of two years' work by the band's members, showcases the band's diversity of influences and talents, from the Plus/Minus-esque, lilting lusciousness of its title track and the more straight-up rock of Mossman — its dirty-psych verse riffs and big punchy choruses — to the very Mew-style piano-driven atmosphere of City Walls and explosive penultimate track Hot Air and all between.

Girlk's ambition goes beyond its arrangements and audio, however; the record is actually a concept album, following its young protagonist, Lucy, as she finds an otherworldly realm while lost in the wilderness of the Australian bush. Between the inventive and majestic tunes, the lyrical and thematic depth and the general breadth of talents on display here, it's hard to not be impressed with Papperbok's vision and realisation thereof.

As you might suspect (and expect), Papperbok have come a substantial distance since their Sing It Out era, both in songwriting nous and general quality. That's not to discount the earlier release by any stretch — on the contrary, it's an absolute bundle of fun, perhaps never more so than on the absolutely rollicking, almost jazz-touched ebullience of Icarus. The production values are a little looser, the polish isn't quite as consistent — but it's a truly great little listen throughout, and a wonderful point of introduction or follow-up, depending on whether you're the type of listener that goes newest-first when getting into a band. (We're just going to take it as read that you're into this.)

Papperbok have got a spot coming up this month at excellent boutique event Jungle Love Music & Arts Festival. To catch them there, head to Jungle Love's website and secure yourself one of those last few tickets.

Otherwise (or additionally), hook in to their online treasures below and give them a wave on Facebook.

Releases

Girlk — LP, October 2016

Sing It Out — EP, October 2011

Hear more tracks via Bandcamp.

Got an independent band? Got a Bandcamp page (y'know, because the title really doesn't work without it)?

Let us know if you want us to listen to your tunes, and you might get featured in a future edition of This One Time, On Bandcamp!