United Paper People - Kisschasy

Paul Hanna | 19 August 2005

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Kisschasy - reminds me of games from my childhood. But, unlike childhood games I caught onto Kisschasy quite early. It’s been exciting to see the rise of this young indie band to current fame. With their album debuting at #15 on the ARIA charts, I take pride in remembering the day when Winter’s Underground (unashamed plug for the band I am in *shrug*) supported them at the humble Caringbah Bizzo’s!

I have always wanted to say something in a public forum: Pop music is a disgrace; an absolute shame on the human race. When I learnt that ‘Crazy Frog’ had topped the Australian music chart I was sad to be alive. How can a ring tone turn into a single, let alone become a number-one-seller? So at a time when Pop music is only fit to line the cat’s bed it is suprising that Kisschasy have openly embraced and incorporated this genre into their unique style of rock.

With a defined hook in each song, designated repeating lyric phrases, surrounded by solid guitar riffs and occasional crew-vocals, United Paper People is undeniable Pop but also undeniable ROCK! Kisschasy is so Rock that they even have a dig at themselves for being pop on their first track “Do-Do’s & Whoa-oh’s” :

“This is a toast to all the people listening. I hope it gets stuck in your head … I want a song that gets attention and this is the way it goes. So hip you’ll play it on your station with do-do’s and whoa-oh’s”

Needless to say this worked and it’s now their first single getting rotation on various radio stations and MTV.

Kisschasy stands out from other generic pop-rock bands like Jet. They have struck the perfect balance of writing technically and structurally interesting songs while not losing the general listener. You can tell they care about the music but also don’t want to take themselves too seriously.

When I fist listened through the album I thought that lyrically Kisschasy didn’t have more to offer than that Pop world … well, more than ‘Crazy Frog’. Darren Cordeax deals with women, partying, being partied out, and being womened-out. Definitely not something there for everyone - like women, for example. The lyrics are easy enough to remember, but light enough not to think about or to detract from the music. But on reflection I may have missed the point. As I pored over each song, I began to see Cordeax’s cynical, raw and sometimes comical look at relationships emerge. Interesting views of love and life come out that are not the generally romantic-gloss that you would find in your average pop album. Cordeax plainly gives his thoughts regarding people’s sometimes selfish reasons for entering and continuing relationships:

“Your clothes are all you have and I’m sorry that your life’s that bad. Stay there forever in your place where your friends are kinder to your face. Glamour is all you have and I’m sorry that your life’s that sad.”

He seems to recognize the effect selfishness in relationships has on others, although it’s clear Cordeax is not impervious to this himself as the album closes with the lyrics:

“To have you here beside me cold but close I made my mind up last night that heaven just can’t have you”.

Having said that, each note that Cordeax sings is magnificent. The songs and the melodies he chooses display his amazing grasp of his vocal instrument. (the bonus acoustic disc also illustrates this perfectly)

United Paper People is clearly thought out as an album. Each song has its place. Kisschasy have chosen to add different instruments (outside of their ROCK 4 peice) on many tracks which smartly keeps the album interesting and each track fresh. String arrangements, piano sections, acoustic splurges, and ambient guitar effects here and there. Each one works. After 2 Ep’s and tones of touring an album was the next challenge for Kisschasy and they have risen and surpassed all expectations.

Paul Hanna