Idling by Paper Tyger
Paper Tiger is?
That’s the entire Bandcamp bio line for the St. John’s–based indie rock outfit. No background and no explanation — just a question mark.
Weirdly, it turns out to be a pretty accurate introduction, because their brand new ep 1 isn’t interested in spelling everything out either. It lets mood, tension, and restraint do most of the work.
ep 1 is a tight four-track release that hangs together beautifully. Each song has its own personality, but they sit comfortably as a whole, like chapters in the same book.
Paper Tyger’s ep 1 is tight, moody and completely captivating.
The opener, ‘You Will Suffer What You Leave Behind,’ sets the tone immediately. Its first line — “is the magic gone?” — feels like a thesis statement for the entire EP. This is not a record about happy or uncomplicated relationships. It feels more like a meditation on relationships that are unraveling.
All four tracks are strong, but if you want a quick entry point, start with ‘Idling’. It’s a mid-tempo gem that feels like the emotional centre of the EP. The refrain — “oh I can’t sit idling / watching you watching him” — is simple, relatable, and quietly devastating.
Check it out.
ep 1 is available on Bandcamp, and is well worth your time.
