Albums: The Paper Kites At The Roadhouse

Melbourne's The Paper Kites have over a billion streams to their name. To say that they have found their space within the folk rock circuit would be something of an understatement. But as they release their sixth studio album, The Paper Kites are ready to build on the heightened commercial success that their fifth studio album, Roses, afforded them back in 2021.

Rather than allow their commercial acclaim to go to their heads, the group took an old-school approach to the recording of At The Roadhouse. Setting up camp at the mining town of Campbells Creek, they spent the week recording and the weekends performing at the local roadhouse, thus birthing the album's title. Alongside the traditional album, the group documented the process and released a photographic book and individual performance videos to accompany the album's 16 songs.

While these additions are impressive, when looking at a new body of recorded material, it is important to explore whether the material itself would stand the test of time. Having previously shone throughout their recordings, and their latest release is no exception to the rule. Having focused on collaborations for their last release, this record focuses once again on the band themselves.

A rather blissful listen, the songs fuse faultlessly into one another. While this is rather sumptuous, it is actually in the moments that shake up the formula that makes The Paper Kites really shine. Most notable are the rockier edge of June's Stolen Car and the folk heaven of Pocket Full of Rain, for these fit the overall feel of the album without blending into the mix too closely.

At The Roadhouse, there is a strong return. While it may have a few too many background moments, and when it shines, it really dazzles.