Pas/Cal - Dear Sir EP

I'm always interested in how bands subvert traditional models of formation, production, and promotion while still using some of those standard means.

Case in point: At left is the cover art for Pas/Cal's third EP, Dear Sir. This Detroit-based band has yet to release a full-length LP. Another time I'd like to make a case why more bands should start off by releasing EP's--the focus on songwriting and polish not the least of the reasons, but this is the subversion of tradition I'm talking about. This trio--taking their name from lead singer Casimer Pascal--have managed to build steadily on the strength of their live performances and these EP's (and a couple vinyl splits) alone. Until recently, I'd heard the name thrown around, but still didn't know the band's sound.

By "standard means" I mean that the local college radio station, KRUI, is spinning this track off the new EP: Pas/Cal - "CAU (Sans Muscle)". When it came on, I was driving and nearly home. I sat in my parked car waiting for the song to finish and hoping that the DJ would tell me the name of the group right after. (I'd have been calling if he hadn't.)

I must have played "CAU (Sans Muscle)" a dozen times in the last week. It's got it all: a simple piano-backed open that lays the template for the song, hand claps, a choir of voices shouting in call-and-response, strings, a driving acoustic guitar, dynamic transitions that make the song feel blissfully longer than its four-minute run, and an abrupt and witty finish that leaves you wanting more.

So, more is what I got. I spent a day with the rest of this EP, then immediately picked up the other two EP's. Recommended for fans of Belle & Sebastian and the New Pornographers.

One more for good measure. This one will really drive home the New Pornos feel: Pas/Cal - "Little Red Radio"

Briefly, one more case-in-point of a band making good based on a flawless EP, rather than a baggy and released-too-early LP: The Little Ones. I've talked them up enough here. One of my selling points was the fun these guys have on stage. Well, Pete over at the Anchor Center has video proof of what I was claiming here.

Comments

[Todd]

I'm a huge fan of Pas/Cal, and can't wait for the LP and subsequent tour. I saw them when they played in 2004 and they were great live.

They've also got amazing album art (and gig posters), all done by brooklyn designer Sean McCabe.

[TJ]

Thanks for the link to that artist, Todd. I love that guy's work: Spoon, Interpol, Asobi Seksu, Mates of State. Helluva an artist and designer.