The Paper Kites - States (29/09/2013)
Following on from their breakout single Bloom in 2010 fellow Melbourne based folk outfit the Paper Kites have just released their debut album States, which has elevated them into my list of great Melbourne based artists.
States shows a level of maturity that is impressive for a debut record. The production is excellent with a great range of different instruments to keep the music fresh.
From organic raw Banjo melodies in St Clarity to 80’s rock guitar tones in A Lesson From Mr Gray, every song is an extension from one another while adding something new or different without overdoing it.
The highlight for me in this album are the laidback bon iver-like harmonies such as the one in never heard a sound. The song is simply put together, with harmonies working in sync against a classic folk riff and a harmonica.
The vocals throughout the album melt into the long instrumental melodies. The last two songs Portrait 19 and I Done You So Wrong are a great ending to the record. Portrait 19 is a really cool song with a slow build up of different musical elements, including piano, guitar, strings and vocals.
To summarise, the Paper Kites have created a record refining their indie/folk sound. This album would really appeal to lovers of Josh Pyke, Angus & Julia Stone, Bon Iver and the Middle East.
I must admit, I prefer the faster paced melodies of Bloom but nevertheless States is a great debut album, which will be a positive mark on the Australian Music scene.
Ryan Hyde
States shows a level of maturity that is impressive for a debut record. The production is excellent with a great range of different instruments to keep the music fresh.
From organic raw Banjo melodies in St Clarity to 80’s rock guitar tones in A Lesson From Mr Gray, every song is an extension from one another while adding something new or different without overdoing it.
The highlight for me in this album are the laidback bon iver-like harmonies such as the one in never heard a sound. The song is simply put together, with harmonies working in sync against a classic folk riff and a harmonica.
The vocals throughout the album melt into the long instrumental melodies. The last two songs Portrait 19 and I Done You So Wrong are a great ending to the record. Portrait 19 is a really cool song with a slow build up of different musical elements, including piano, guitar, strings and vocals.
To summarise, the Paper Kites have created a record refining their indie/folk sound. This album would really appeal to lovers of Josh Pyke, Angus & Julia Stone, Bon Iver and the Middle East.
I must admit, I prefer the faster paced melodies of Bloom but nevertheless States is a great debut album, which will be a positive mark on the Australian Music scene.
Ryan Hyde