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Christopher Papas fronts Elle Belle and their latest single is “Figure 8,” the second track off of the single sharing the same name. The first, incidentally, was reviewed by the incomparable Nick Sessanna here. It’s a study in simplicity written on a train to Timbuktu (sarcasm), and a primer to “Figure 8” that, taken together, showcases Papas’ range as a musician. Funnily enough, I felt like the intro to “Figure 8” felt more like a train getting started as it spirits the protagonist away from the station (to or from Kyoto?!).   Speaking to the track (and partially dashing my theory of a train theme) Papas had this to say: “‘Figure 8’ is a sweet love song despite the brooding melody and dark chords. I don’t know if there is a place where we could love each other forever, but if there is, let’s go there.”   You can hear[...]

Elle Belle is one of many projects on front man Christopher Pappas’ plate, including but not limited to: making music for Nasa, a musical, and a couple TV pilots in pre-production. “Saturday” is the second single released in anticipation of his newest album How Do I Feel, out September 1 from Little Record Company – a name fans of Rilo Kiley would recognize as being owned by Pierre de Reeder. Pappas shows off a bit with deliciously dulcet voice and understated piano throughout, evoking comparisons of Jacks Mannequin (Andrew McMahon’s erstwhile side project), Stars, or the aforementioned Rilo Kiley. (Kelly, you know who you are and I’m pretty sure you’d enjoy this). The production value is through the roof and well worthy of a listen. There’s a cool little effect that I don’t have a name for (but surely exists) that happens with the piano you should listen for too![...]