SoundProof - Live: Paper Lions

Embracing a wide array of influences, from The Beatles, Queen, Pink Floyd and U2 to Elvis Costello and Oasis, the exact sound of the Paper Lions can't be tied down or pigeon-holed to one specific genre of rock music. Such varying or far ranging influences become very evident in the band's sound and presence on stage. It's this element, combined with a visible passion for performing, and excellent musicianship, which allows Paper Lions to blaze a trail only very few bands are capable of.

After opening with "One Thousand Voices," featuring a very psychedelic, delay-heavy guitar, the band suddenly and dramatically shifted gears with an unexpected jam. Actually, it was time for drummer David MacDonald to literally wreak vengeance with an uncompromising and ridiculous drum solo, evoking back to half-hour long workouts by Led Zeppelin's John Bonham. For the first little while, Macdonald threw down his sticks and was beating his drum kit with his hands, which not only appeared nearly impossible but very painful. It was a sensational and dynamic display of spectacular showmanship.

"Travelling" was a David Gilmour-influenced number, with lead slide guitar from Colin Buchanan, who then picked up a mandolin for the Beatles-esque pop song "The Sheriff," put over the top with a McCartney-worthy bouncy bass line. From here, there was yet another unexpected jam, with Paper Lions suddenly breaking out into Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." Paper Lions would end their set, literally, in the audience, jamming out to "Strawberry Man" — an obvious Beatles-influenced rocker featuring a great lead guitar riff.

Charlottetown's Paper Lions play a unique brand of hard, yet catchy melodic rock, accompanied by great vocal harmonies and stellar musicianship. They are surely a Canadian indie band on the rise, and clearly deserve all of the praise and fame that, hopefully, will come their way.