Paper Zoo: A Rock and Roll Carnival on Acid

Posted on 06. Feb, 2010 by Weldon in Entertainment

“Join us, we are the Paper Zoo,” sang the band in their triumphant final song.

The Viper Room was packed on a Thursday January night when it seemed most of the rest of the Strip was empty.

And what I heard was a rock carnival on acid, performed by anachronistic teenagers seemingly delivered here straight from the 70’s. They were, in fact, Paper Zoo.

Imagine The Who, Black Sabbath, and Pink Floyd writing the follow up to St. Pepper and you’ll begin to understand what I mean. And these were kids that normally wouldn’t be allowed in the club, much less throwing down like the greats.

Talking to the guys outside after the show, I found them eager without being delusional, and seasoned without being jaded (and yes, I’ve met my share of jaded teenagers).

Singer and lead guitarist Allister is the odd guy in the band because he’s, well, odd. Most bands have one, the recluse, the guy who needn’t take drugs but he’ll be accused of it anyway. No disrespect intended; he was cordial, even if his mind was elsewhere.

Speaking with bass player and sometimes vocalist, William, I looked down and noticed a couple of their cases were marked “Bigelf,” another bad-ass band throwing down heavy 70s riffage.

“Yeah,” said William. “Damon from Bigelf hooked us up with some of their gear. He’s been awesome!”

I saw Bigelf last year at SXSW and they were LOUD. Using their equipment must be something else, as well as filling some pretty um, big shoes.

But honestly, the awe may be as much from the other side, as well. During Paper Zoo’s set, Damon bounced around the club like a proud papa, taking photos of the band from all different angles, including close-ups of Allister’s fingerwork. He seemed a proud Big-bro. Or, they were Little-elf. Pun intended.

But not totally. Paper Zoo are no Bigelf wannabes. They mix as many Beatles circus tricks in as guitar hero riffs. Their debut EP begins with “Paper Zoo,” which they used to close the show. Another stand out track is “Laughing Legba,” which gives keyboardist Martin a bit of prominence.

Like any good EP, it’s too short. Five songs. Their live set consisted of those, plus two, which means they’re up to seven. Drummer Monte told me they plan to demo forty songs, as they break from playing shows. A full-length album will thusly be forthcoming.

I look forward to playing it loud.

written by Rob Weldon(photo right)