Paucity: Smallness in Numbers, Not Sounds

By J. Bennett Rylah

The word paucity means "smallness in numbers," according to the dictionary. Use it in a sentence: the paucity of members in the band Paucity is surprising considering the layering of sounds on their forthcoming album Deer Bird Bear Ship. Comprised of Jared Wekenman (guitar), Ric Carroll (keys), Sam Hutchinson (drums) and Kertis Lytle (bass/keys), Paucity’s brand of instrumental post-rock is played with precision and complexity, creating a series of scenes. Wekenman describes this sound as “dynamic contrast. Quiet, delicate, melodic then loud climatic payoffs." In this way, Paucity is able to achieve the difficult task of creating a narrative without relying on lyrics.

With Deer Bird Bear Ship, the sounds are equally epic. Each note, crescendo and rhythm is deliberate and meaningful. As Carroll said, “[Deer Bird Bear Ship] is a big album with lots of complex climaxes,” and Wekenman described it as “an emotional roller coaster.”

The album was recorded at The White Lodge (yes, it is a Twin Peaks reference) by Matt Younker and Christian Kremo over six months. The arduous process, which included recording the drums not on one track, but on multiple tracks with each piece a separate track, has resulted in a remarkably crisp sound, though at the end, Paucity had spent approximately 150 hours in the studio.

“We’re a very hard-working band committed to making good music,” Hutchinson said. “We’re committed to the craft with no shortcuts to our art form.”

Live, Paucity creates a certain atmosphere, and the symbiotic relationship between players is impressive.
“It’s a wall of sound,” Hutchinson said, “and we’re very focused on being really tight, on playing live the way we record.”

“If you enjoy us recorded,” Lytle said, “you’ll like us better live.”

To test this theory, attend Paucity’s album release on September 4 at 9 p.m. in The Intersection’s front lounge. You’ll be able to purchase Dear Bird Bear Ship on pink, translucent vinyl (with mp3 download code), as well as take a listen to fellow Friction Records band Victor! Fix the Sun and local prog-metal act Night Toucher. Tickets are $5.

Band Name: Paucity
Album: Deer Bird Bear Ship (Friction Records)
RIYL: Mars Volta, Tortoise, Mogwai, The Most Serene Republic, Ratatat