Posted January 22, 2008
By Matt

It’s lazy to say Paleface sounds like Tom Waits. It’s also accurate. A Brooklyn-based singer-guitarist, Paleface channels Waits’ sandpaper bellow. However, Paleface is a more nimble singer. At times his arrangements recall the acoustic innocence of Uncle Tupelo. Palefaceonline.com outlines its subject’s bio, which is either extremely impressive or completely full of sh*t. According to the site, Paleface shared an apartment with Beck in the early ‘90s and taught Daniel Johnson how to write songs. Whatever the real story, Paleface’s tunes stand up by themselves. “Little By Little” is a breezy shuffle with a winsome melodica break. On “Dancin’ Daze,” Samalot keeps a dusky tempo behind the front man’s wolf-whisper. “I Can See the Light” begins with acappella hosannas before launching into banjo bounce and moonbeam imagery. Paleface will bring his suitcase songs to Clemson University this Friday, Jan. 25 at 9 p.m. Local alt-country merchant Tony Tidwell opens the free show. Want more info? Call (864) 656-9723.