Paris of America, the new album by The Payroll Union,
continues the band's fascination with America's dark past. These eight songs
explore the violence of the 'riot era' in Philadelphia during the 1830s and
1840s. Inhabiting the stories of radical writers, anti-Catholic brawlers,
firebrand preachers, and violent ward bosses, the album imagines a city in
great tumult, tearing itself apart.
The record is a result of a collaborative project with Arts
Enterprise at the University of Sheffield. Songwriter, Pete David, worked with
historian, Dr Andrew Heath, to look at how stories of the past can be told in
different ways. Along the way, they worked with a film-maker to chart the
process of their work together, Sheffield illustrators and artists, and a
number of other musicians, to bring to life these complex, interweaving
narratives of a 19th Century American city.
Formed in 2009 in Sheffield, The Payroll Union have shared
stages with Johnny Dowd, John Smith and Bellowhead. They have
played Galtres, Off The Tracks, Music In The Gardens, Tramlines, Magpie's
Nest, Kendal Calling, Dragonfly and headline slots at both Sensoria 2012 and
2013. After releasing two EPs - Underfed & Underpaid and Your
Obedient Servant - they toured the UK with their debut
album, The Mule & The Elephant, in February 2013.
Album launch Friday 27 June at Club 60, Sheffield. London
date to be confirmed…
Here’s what’s been said….
"Switching from indie rock riffs to the more
familiar dark folk melodies complementing the murderous lyrics, the album keeps
you on your toes, leaving you unaware of what is coming next… The emphasis is
entirely on the dark lyrics, which combined with Pete David’s grizzly and
delicious vocals makes for a real success. I really can’t wait to see the band
play this track in particular live." Now Then
"Heck, some of the themes are so human that you’d
assume they are as old as the human race." Sloucher
"Dark, sombre and macabre, each track tells its own
tale. This is a record that demands your attention. Your focus will be duly
rewarded as you find yourself transported to a distant time and place. If
you close your eyes you can smell the smoke, the air of despair..." Counterfeit Magazine
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