Paris, Texas
Like You Like an Arsonist

(New Line)

First Appeared in The Music Box, July 2004, Volume 11, #7

Written by John Metzger

Paris, Texas didn’t pluck its name from a film by Wim Wenders, nor does it hail from the Lone Star State. Instead, the group was formed in Madison, Wisconsin by frontman Scott Sherpe, drummer Sam Vinz, and now departed guitarist Matt Managan. Yet, despite the occasional nods to punk, post-punk, and new wave, the group has a frustrating tendency to gravitate towards generic, alternative pop-rock. It’s a shame, too, because when Paris, Texas whips its opening track Bombs Away into a frenzy, it appears as if the band has stumbled upon an effectively engaging formula. There are other moments as well — for example, the guitar riff that kicks off Hip Replacement, Rebel Radio’s recasting of Jane’s Addiction as a new wave act, or Vinz’ furiously muscular drumming throughout the disc — when the ensemble seemingly finds its niche, but just as quickly, it descends back into the type of mundanely bland and vaguely pugnacious fare blasted at teens through Clear Channel’s nationwide stream of marketing outlets disguised as modern rock radio stations. In other words, Paris, Texas might make a few bucks in the short run, but the smarter option would be to forsake the fast fame and develop some artistic credibility for a shot at an actual career. ½

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Ratings

1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 2004 The Music Box