The Paper Kites: Twelvefour

While there are certainly far less flattering stylistic comparisons one could make to what they were going for on that record, its follow-up suggests they are far more interested in simply being the first Paper Kites.

There’s still plenty of touching, harmonious Simon & Garfunkel-esque balladry on offer (‘Turns Within Me, Turns Without Me’, ‘A Silent Cause’). Where Twelvefour truly shines, however, are the moments where the band members look to the wild blue yonder to see what awaits – which, as it turns out, are some of the best songs they’ve ever written. ‘Revelator Eyes’ is glistening sunset pop, while opener ‘Electric Indigo’ is a scented love letter to fence-swinging ’80s grandeur, complete with gated snare and warm beds of reverb.

Twelvefour is indicative of there being more to The Paper Kites than their surface value had led to believe. It’s merely gazed upon here, however, which means the band must transfix its focus upon newer territory in order to maintain a spot ahead of its peers.