EP Review: Paris Texas- They Left Me With The Sword

After almost two years without an album, the metal-rap duo, Paris Texas, makes a rowdy comeback. Paris Texas, comprised of members Louie Pastel and Felix, are currently on the CHROMAKOPIA tour with Tyler, the Creator and Lil Yachty, but they’ve still managed to release some bangers while on the road.

They Left Me With The Sword is only 19 minutes long, but it leaves a mark on you.

The intro, “The Sword,” sets an eerie tone for the entire record, with a deep-voiced narrator priming the duo for a fight, like a cutscene in a video game. The intro is less than 30 seconds, and it’s not even a song, but it succeeds in hooking the listener in. 

“Dogma 25” is the first actual song on the EP, and it fits perfectly in the rest of Paris Texas’ discography. The two rap over a trap-rock beat, throwing out some really funny lines like, “Foot fetish n*gga, I can't have a feat,” and “Out of this world when she suck on the meat.” The lines may be ridiculous, but I think that’s what they’re going for. It's ridiculous rap over a genreless beat that’s part of an MMORPG cutscene. Peak.

My personal favorite tracks were “Holy Spinal Fluid” and “Tantrum.” The latter has some great bars referencing Star Wars and South Park over a more traditional trap beat. There’s a really sick guitar riff in it, though, reminding you who you’re listening to. 

“Holy Spinal Fluid” is a surprising tonal shift with an upbeat, dance instrumental, and an overall lighter feel. The duo managed to pull it off and deliver a track that’s a real standout. 

The EP also features some slower songs, including the third track “Red Eyes & Blue Hearts.” The duo sing and rap about wanting to fall in love but not knowing who they really are because of their substance use. It’s surprisingly heartfelt and tragic, but they still manage to sprinkle some funny adlibs here and there. 

They Left Me With The Sword is the first of their two EP releases, and what I’m hoping will be a third album from Paris Texas. It’s experimental and engaging, while still keeping Paris Texas’ playful tone. It’s no wonder Tyler, the Creator picked them up.

Recommended if you like:
JPEGMAFIA, Jean Dawson, Tyler, the Creator

Recommended Tracks:
Holy Spinal Fluid, Tantrum, Red Eyes & Blue Hearts

FCC:
Explicit. Tracks 2-8

Always and forever,
DJ Ford Fiesta AKA Lalou Ratsimihah