Through Clairecords (Sacramento), Airiel released a series of four-song EPs titled Winks & Kisses. The EPs were also sold as a limited edition boxed set, capturing the evolution of Airiel in its current form. Their CDs are consistently some of the top sellers of the label, and the Frosted EP has already sold out. The group has also been asked to contribute to several compilation CDs, including Never Lose That Feeling by Club AC30 (U.K.).
In addition to their recordings, Airiel has also gained a reputation for being a live band. In addition to playing such local Chicago landmarks as the Double Door, Subterranean, and the Bottom Lounge, they have performed in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Denver, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis. They have toured the U.S. East Coast, performing in New York City, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and points in between. Airiel has also opened for some high-profile acts, including The Dears and The Brian Jonestown Massacre.
Liquid Paper
Airiel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
they'll never fit the feeling in my head
intoxicating is how I describe you
on paper, where it's plain for all to see
imaginary words I hope to reach you
a stupid valentine for you to read
but here you stand in front of me
reach out to touch me, can't you see my heart?
the suffocating spell you put on me
I drink a drink of you, it leaves me senseless
you drown me in your smile, I cannot breathe
you're not another love ideal
you're real, I see you, I can feel your heart
never thought I'd sing you this in person
never thought you'd hear the things I write
imagine if these things I say inspire you
to do the things I think of late at night
In Airiel's song "Liquid Paper", the singer is struggling to put into words the overwhelming feelings they have for someone. They are trying to capture the essence of this person on paper, but feel that words cannot fully express the emotions they are experiencing. The person they are writing about is described as intoxicating, and the singer paints a picture of being suffocated and drowned in this person's presence. Despite their struggles to put these feelings into words, the singer is overcome with a desire to reach this person and express their love, even if it is just in a "stupid valentine" that they hope the person will read.
As the song progresses, the singer reveals that they never thought they would have the courage to express these feelings in person, let alone sing them to the person. They are hopeful that their words will inspire the person to consider acting on their own feelings for the singer.
The lyrics of "Liquid Paper" offer a raw and vulnerable portrayal of the struggles that come with trying to articulate the depth of one's feelings for someone. The singer's descriptions of being suffocated and drowned in the other person's presence underscore the intensity of their emotions, while the hopefulness of their desire to connect with the person they love ultimately leaves the listener feeling hopeful and touched.
Line by Line Meaning
Of all the million words that I could write you,
Out of many words, there is nothing that could express the intensity of my emotions to you.
they'll never fit the feeling in my head
The magnitude of my emotional intensity cannot be conveyed in words.
intoxicating is how I describe you
You are so invigorating that I am virtually intoxicated.
on paper, where it's plain for all to see
Although it is inscribed on paper, its accuracy can be seen by others.
imaginary words I hope to reach you
I pray that my imaginary words will reach you.
a stupid valentine for you to read
I present to you a foolish valentine note to read.
but here you stand in front of me
I am amazed that you are here right now before me.
reach out to touch me, can't you see my heart?
Can't you perceive my innermost feelings?
heaven only knows how I could say this
I have no idea how to convey my sentiments.
the suffocating spell you put on me
I am provoked by your overwhelming influence.
I drink a drink of you, it leaves me senseless
When I think of you, I am left disoriented and spellbound.
you drown me in your smile, I cannot breathe
Your smile is so captivating that it renders me breathless.
you're not another love ideal
You are not just some love concept or idea.
you're real, I see you, I can feel your heart
You are genuine, I see you, and I recognize your sentiments.
never thought I'd sing you this in person
I never dreamed that I would sing this to you in person.
never thought you'd hear the things I write
I never imagined that what I wrote would actually reach your ears.
imagine if these things I say inspire you
Consider the possibility that what I say will serve as an inspiration for you.
to do the things I think of late at night
Can you attempt to carry out the thoughts that I have during my late-night musing?
Contributed by Nora H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Ofecks
It could be said that 1995 through the 00's were a dark time for shoegaze/dream-pop, but Airiel (and a few others) definitely kept the fire warm for the 20-teens resurgance. I hope this performance means a new album is coming soon.
@mleml2799
I actually talked to them after their concert in Salt Lake City and they said they are releasing some new stuff soon. They just signed with a new record label. I even met the lady who owns it 😅
@tal_veezy
FINALLY A LIVE VERSION HOLY SHIT!!! My year has been made, god bless Airiel and god bless Audiotree!!!
@graficandorealidades7561
I never though about seeing Airiel doing a live performance in Audiotree! Crazy
@ccstreifel
First Ruby Haunt and now Airiel? You guys rock AudioTree!
@joetoole8793
2023 needs more of this ... Great sound ... Great musicianship..
@rheannarosales9159
My favorite shoegaze band, want them to come to texas :(
@thefoxandcoyote
That break… blown away. Won’t even try to keep from crying through their set this Saturday ༎ຶ ෴ ༎ຶ
@cryptsub
I never thought I'd sing you this IN PERSON
@MrJmarkjohnson
Wow! Airiel is playing in San Francisco tomorrow...I am so there!