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Before deciding on my schedule for the day, I had a quick listen to Paper Lions, who I’ll admit, I judged solely based on their band name (in a good way). “Paper Lions” sounds like the kind of band I’d enjoy listening to, and my instincts turned out to be correct. Thankfully I saw the band post-February 2008 name change, cause if they’d been listed under their original name (”Chucky Danger Band”) I may not have followed through with checking out their set. Isn’t Paper Lions a way cooler name?

Despite the early call time (2:30pm at the TD Stage), there was a considerable crowd of fans out for Paper Lions’ set, notably a large group draped in a Prince Edward Island provincial flag. There’s something about east coasters and their provincial flags - they love flaunting them (we saw Nova Scotian flags out for Wintersleep as well!). I couldn’t even tell you what Ontario’s creed/flag looks like. Literally couldn’t pick it out of a lineup. Hmm.

Let me just say that siner/guitarist John MacPhee’s voice is incredible. Absolutely note perfect and unwavering in its strength. He was givin’ er for the entire set, and his brother Rob MacPhee (on bass) and guitarist Colin Buchanan provided accompanying harmonies. Throughout I was focused on how beautiful these harmonies were - and at the precise moment that I thought it couldn’t get any more perfectly tuned, they broke out the ultimate harmony: a cover of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody - you know the part (”is this the real life…is this just fantasy? caught in a landslide…no escape from reality…”). It was breathtaking!

Then there was the epic, nearly ten minute long monster jam (I wish I knew the name!) and another strong vocal jam that had drummer David Cyrus MacDonald hop onto the bongos while guitarist Colin Buchanan took over drumming duties for a bit. Can’t wait to hear more from this band - singer Rob mentioned that the band was hoping to pop into the studio this fall to record some new songs, some of which they previewed for the VFest crowd.

Now whenever you’re talkin about Prince Edward Island (which, let’s face it, should be more often), you’ll have something besides Anne Of Green Gables and fingerling potatoes to talk about!

Links:
MySpace: Paper Lions

Posted on Sunday, September 7th, 2008 at 4:16 pm by Kat and is filed under VFest2008.

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