Artist Spotlight: The Paper Kites

The Paper Kites: An Indie Folk Odyssey
Hailing from the creatively fertile grounds of Melbourne, Australia, The Paper Kites have emerged as one of the most evocative indie folk bands of the last decade. Formed in 2010, the quintet consists of Sam Bentley, Christina Lacy, Dave Powell, Sam Rasmussen, and Josh Bentley. Their sound is a carefully crafted mosaic of rich harmonies, haunting melodies, and intricately layered instrumentation. Early Beginnings and Career Trajectory
Their debut EP, Woodland, released in 2011, encapsulated the raw and unpolished sincerity of their early work, garnering a devoted following. Tracks like “Bloom” showcased their ability to create immersive auditory landscapes. Fast forward to 2013, their debut full-length album, States, elevated their artistry, blending folk roots with experimental undertones. Fastidiously evolving with each release, albums such as Twelvefour (2015) – a conceptual project based on the peculiar inspiration that strikes between midnight and 4 AM – saw them pushing the boundaries of their genre. This was followed by On the Train Ride Home (2018), an introspective collection of songs that highlighted their maturity both lyrically and musically. Artistry and Influence
The Paper Kites’ music often feels like a pensive journey through twilight vistas and foggy memories, drawing comparisons to acts like Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes. Their ability to balance melancholic introspection with hopeful optimism sets them apart in the crowded indie folk arena. “On the Train Ride Home”: A Sonic Snapshot
One of their standout offerings, “On the Train Ride Home,” is a delicate yet potent example of their sonic signature. The song captures the transient emotions and muted revelations experienced during solitary travels. With Sam Bentley’s gentle falsetto cradled by melancholic guitar strums and understated percussion, it feels like a private conversation between the listener and the unspoken poetry of everyday life. In essence, The Paper Kites are modern-day troubadours, weaving tales that resonate on a deeply personal level while exploring universal themes of love, loss, and the quiet beauty of life’s fleeting moments. Their evolution is not just a testament to their skill but a reflection of their unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling through music.