Paperfaces cover

Paperfaces

Feeder · 1999

11 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

A dynamic mix of energetic riffs and introspective lyrics that balance alternative rock with Britpop sensibilities.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Paperfaces — The title track encapsulates the EP's themes of identity and emotional struggle through its driving rhythm and poignant lyrics, showcasing Feeder's knack for blending intensity with melody.
  • →
    Crash Mat — This track stands out with its infectious chorus and reflective verses, illustrating the band's ability to fuse upbeat instrumentation with deeper emotional undertones.
  • →
    You're My Evergreen (Radio 1 session) — This live recording captures the raw energy and vocal prowess of the band, enhancing the EP's intimate feel while highlighting their performance skills.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong songwriting but lacks the depth and cohesion of a full album.

What we noticed

  • The title track 'Paperfaces' features a dynamic shift between quiet verses and an explosive chorus, creating a contrast that drives the song's energy.
  • The second track 'Crash Mat' employs a steady drumbeat with layered guitar riffs, maintaining a consistent mid-tempo feel throughout.
  • The final track is a live session version of 'You're My Evergreen', which presents a rawer vocal delivery and stripped-down instrumentation compared to the studio versions.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Helped Feeder gain traction in the late '90s Britpop wave.
Themes
identity crisis· emotional struggle· intimate performances
Career context
Released as Feeder's third EP, Paperfaces came after the band's acclaimed second album, Yesterday Went Too Soon. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the UK music scene, experimenting with sound while maintaining their signature style.
Stylistic neighbors
Biffy Clyro· Placebo· Ash

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Paperfaces 4:41
  • 2 Crash Mat 3:24
  • 3 You're My Evergreen (Radio 1 session) 3:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata