I talk a lot of shit about Los Angeles. A lot. And the first thought that came to mind while PAPA was warming up continued along that path. “God, these guys are so L.A.” And then from my friend: “These guys probably get laid a lot.” Mid-set, Darren told the ladies in the crowd to “Text your boyfriend and let him know PAPA is in town.” Confidence is definitely not an issue for these four. And when you sound as good as they do, you can say shit like that.
Their sound is big. There’s nowhere to hide within PAPA’s music, which is especially refreshing since so many bands lately hide behind technology. There were no samples, no loops – just raw talent. It’s DIY, with hints of Americana. The guitar licks are aggressive, the lyrics are filled with sexual tension — yet poetic — and all four guys have exceptionally good hair.
PAPA is the work of Los Angeles-native Darren Weiss, his brother Evan Weiss, childhood pal Danny Presant, and keyboardist Alex Fischel. Darren — who plays the drums completely barefoot on stage — is formerly of the band Girls. Evan bounced around on numerous side projects (also including Girls) until, “it felt like the right moment for PAPA to be a full-time thing.”
Their debut EP A Good Woman Is Hard To Find was released in October 2011 and their full album is expected to drop this October. Presant was still hustling that same EP outside to bystanders post-show for $5. (It’s the first CD I’ve purchased in probably six years, so that says a lot.)
On Wednesday night at Neumos, the band opened with “If You’re My Girl, Then I’m Your Man,” and ended with “Put Me to Work” and “I Am the Lion King.” The double duty of singer-drummer is no easy feat, but Darren carries the title well. And unlike headliner Rogue Wave, whose 2005-era songs overshadowed their entire set, PAPA was able to excite the crowd for what’s next. Presant moved exceptionally well on stage, which he told me was due to hip-hop classes — really.
Their latest video for “Put Me to Work” is strangely addicting. Evan mentioned those cut up, multicolored post-it notes took “HOURS — at least 10.”
Maybe L.A. isn’t so bad after all.