Musical monstrosity deposited in Halifax, Nova Scotia after the first 23 years in Burnley, England.
Praise for the 2012 self-titled debut
“This isn’t merely indie folk music: Paper Beat Scissors is a genuine work of effortless art.” – Pop Matters (USA)
“Crabtree’s more than one to watch, he’s one to listen to, now.” – Americana UK
“…potent enough for an otherworld experience.” – CBC
“…a beautiful work of art. If this doesn’t make it on the 2012 Polaris Prize Nominee list, there’s something wrong with that jury.” – Stage Door
“…you’ll be stirred for life.” – Leicester Bangs (UK)
“Tim Crabtree is incantatory on his self-titled debut album…” – NOW Magazine
“…impressive…” – Exclaim!
“…masterfully realized…” – The Coast
“It won’t be long before he has a large and devoted following. Get in on the ground floor now.” – Babysue (USA)
“I wish I could say more about this album’s genius, but I am truly at a loss for words.” – Unknown Trombone
“…a stunning debut album…” – Fulcrum
“…simply blown away.” – Grayowl Point
“A captivating sound…wonderful is not enough.” – Soundvat
“…a unique and glorious folk experience.” – Spill Magazine
“…powerful and uplifting…” – Nexus
Nice words for Flicker and the live show…
“Beautiful” – Laurie Brown, The Signal, CBC Radio 2
“Tim Crabtree has such a unique sound that it’s hard to put his ambient, folk melodies into word. Cinematic in scope, [it] builds dynamic results with the most subtle, gentle touch. Each time I see Tim… on stage… I leave speechless” – Herohill.com
“a haunting sound” – The Chronicle Herald, Halifax
“The songs simultaneously shimmer and float” – Kieler-Nachrichten, Kiel, Germany
BIO
Tim Crabtree’s haunting voice burns at the centre of the Paper Beat Scissors sound with an honesty and rawness that skirts discomfort. The relocated-Brit began the project following a move to Canada’s East Coast and soon caught the attention of his adoptive home. Instrumentally, the palettes shift from hypnotic loops through full brass arrangements and screaming lap steel to stripped-back acoustic guitar and layered vocals.
THE DEBUT ALBUM
The self-titled debut has created a significant buzz since its release, making it onto ‘best-of’ 2012 lists as far afield as Mexico and Japan. Produced by Mike Feuerstack (Snailhouse, Bell Orchestre) and mixed by Arcade Fire’s Jeremy Gara, the album is filled with the finest hands and voices the Canadian music community has to offer including Pietro Amato (the Luyas), Sebastian Chow (Islands), Rose Cousins and Tanya Davis.
LIVE
Billed as ‘must-see’ act of the summer by the CBC, 2012 saw 6 tours in 9 countries across Europe and North America, festival headline billings and opening slots for Mark Kozelek (Sun Kil Moon/Red House Painters) and Dan Mangan and onstage collaborations with Clogs (members of the National, My Brightest Diamond).
Bandcamp: http://www.paperbeatscissors.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Paper-Beat-Scissors/33296413739
