Paper Mache presents new songs, focused sound on 2009 tour

Spokane-based indie rock band Paper Mache launched its first tour of 2009 and is on the road drumming up excitement for several new songs. Performing their first Billings show of 2009 last night, the band appeared more gathered and composed than previous performances. Full of life and with a focused sound, Paper Mache’s music swelled.

Shy and yet foreboding, frontman Seth Woodward and his sleek voice projected the band’s lyrically poetic music. Woodward played like he was in a 1,000 seat arena, despite the half-full bar crowd in front of him.

Growing in popularity as a self-made band, Paper Mache furthers the legacy of Northwest musicians: a brand of heart-on-sleeve songwriters marching to their protest songs and leaving diary pages waving in their wake. A hodgepodge of neo-folk and “emo,” Paper Mache is part of a genre of deliberately emotional music advanced by confessional lyrics.

The band is currently on a regional tour. Check their MySpace for dates. They’ll be back in Billings May 6 for an acoustic performance at Hot Topic in Rimrock Mall.