Song of the Day: ArpLine - Fold Up Like a Piece of Paper

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Morning Show host John Richards, is “Fold Up Like a Piece of Paper” by ArpLine from the band’s forthcoming debut album.

“Fold Up Like a Piece of Paper” plays like the climax of a crazed teen party move. The protagonists, after a night of chasing each other and illustrious dreams of freedom, youth, and intelligentsia find that what’s happening now is what’s worth living. It’s a premise that has made us warm with nostalgia for decades and ArpLine taps into that devil-may-care dance theme throughout the genre mash-up of “Fold Up Like a Piece of Paper.” Combining the dark melodies of new wave icons such as Joy Division and Depeche Mode, ArpLine also tap heavily into precise drum and bass beats with a heavy dose of 80s guitar. The track itself is a throwback on some alternate timeline in which the 80s never knew The Brat Pack, choosing to drape the globe in a blanket of Goths on Speed; a land of black and silver, chugging Jolt and popping yellowjackets like they were water and vitamins. ArpLine are the liberators of the 80s. No longer are we victims of Molly Ringwald’s cries of attention from the school’s most popular jock nor must we endure the overwrought emotions of Rob Lowe and Demi Moore. We’re allowed to dress like a steampunk Johnny Cash, forget about self-consciousness, and just dance the night away in a wave of alternate universe splendor. So smoke up, Johnny!

If you have any plans to catch ArpLine live, MySpace lets it be known that you’ll have to travel to New York City or Philadelphia to catch the band for the foreseeable future. To placate your need, we offer a live video of “Weekend in the Colonies” for your enjoyment: