Melbourne is home to the Paper Kites and the band formed back in 2009 when lead vocalist/guitarist Sam Bentley and keyboardist/guitarist Christina Lacy decided to take their collaborations in music to the next stage. They added the talents of school friends Sam Rasmussen, David Powys and Josh Bentley to the collective and the group now proudly boast a considerable following across the Globe. With six albums and a few EPs to their name the Paper Kites arrive in Dublin to kick-off a European tour that visits nine different countries and eighteen dates over a three week run.
A strong work ethic and years spent building a reputation for quality songwriting and dynamic live performance are clearly evident tonight as the band deliver a hugely impressive set to a sold out Vicar Street. Having a platinum hit in America certainly helps their profile and the 2010 single Bloom was something of a turning point in the band fortunes. In a show that contained eighteen songs the variety of the music is definitely something that separates the Paper Kites out from their peers. Ther classic Americana and Country sound with pedal steel hauntingly played by Matt Dixon is a real highlight and the first half of the show has the musicians weaving their skills into a beautifully delivered texture of gentle sound that is hypnotic and heart-felt.
Sam Bentley admits to writing mainly sad songs and his easy manner and conversation has the audience on his side from the beginning. He quips that usually sad people come to the shows and he has to check in with the crowd every few songs to make sure that they’re doing alright. He also confirms that couples in love come to the shows but often leave wondering if they’re with the right person. His observations are very amusing throughout as is his genuine comments about being in Ireland and playing to a listening audience.
The latest album AT THE ROADHOUSE is given most of the focus with seven songs featured. All are performed with superb nuance by the players and their number is augmented on this tour by musicians Matt Dixon, Hannah Cameron and Chris Panousakis to make an eight-piece touring band. Featured songs from the current album are Till the Flame Turns Blue, Hurts So Good, Green Valley, Good Nights Gone, I Don’t Want To Go That Way, Black and Thunder, and June’s Stolen Car. The latter two songs are featured in the second part of the show and highlight a more rock driven sound that features some superb guitar playing from Dave Powys.
A cover version of the Adrianne Lenker song Anything is also included, and the band also recognise the opening act, English duo Flyte, with an acoustic section that includes a version of Wild Mountain Thyme performed beautifully with six-part harmonies. Other songs from their back catalogue include Between the Houses, Tenenbaum, Arms, Without Your Love and a superb five-part harmony on Paint. The encore comprises a duet For All You Give with Bentley and Lacy singing beautifully together before the full band reappear for the vibrant Electric Indigo.
This show was a resounding success and the sweet melancholy of the music mixed so well with the up-tempo numbers, and all delivered with a thrilling sense of performance dynamic and talent. The sound was superb and really showcased the excellent venue in all its glory. An excellent light show added to the atmosphere and take a bow local promoters Singular Artists for bringing such exciting music to our shores.
Review and live photos by Paul McGee