What to hear... by Paddy Baxter
Paws: Cokefloat
Supported by North American War, PAWS launched their debut album Cokefloat! on FatCat Records on the 4th October and Glasgow CCA. PAWS as always put on a captivating, lively and raucous set. I’ve seen the band live a couple of times before and put on a show like no other upcoming band I’ve ever seen. The venue struck me as a slightly unusual venue, given the nature of PAWS’ music and that the room looked more used to hosting recitals. Nevertheless the show was excellent, including a very active mosh pit and approximately 10 stage dives per chorus (upwards of 100 during the track Winners Don’t Bleed). The gig obviously heavily featured their newly released album, which I purchased on the night (first CD I’ve bought in probably a decade), but also featured several favourites that loyal fans would recognise from their earlier days.
The album Cokefloat! is quite simply superb. The band has done an excellent job in marrying hard-hitting, deeply personal lyrics with catchy guitar riffs and upbeat indie-rock. PAWS are far from a one-dimensional fast-paced, fuzzy guitar band. They are also masters of the angst-filled ballad on the track Get Bent. For me one of PAWS’ greatest qualities and defining features is the vocalist’s (Phillip Taylor) unwavering commitment not to mince his words and get lost in complex and irrelevant metaphor, but instead to tackle the confusing emotions of life head-on. If you’ve not heard of PAWS before today, then you will certainly be hearing a lot from them in the future. They are destined for great things. I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of the album or go and see them live next time they’re in Glasgow. I promise you won’t regret it.
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