I’m a recent convert to the Paper Kites, having been smitten by the sweet harmonies and almost Laurel Canyon sounds of the Melbourne band’s latest album, ‘If you go there, I hope you find it’, and ventured to the Limelight, expecting more of their intimate, at times melancholic, laid back music.
In the live setting, however, the ‘Kites’ are a different animal.
Yes, we get the wonderful hushed tones of Sam Bentley and the honeyed blend of the band’s vocals. But we also get a rock show with some quite startling guitar from Sam and Dave Powys, and a communication with the audience, which is rare, but when it works, is a beautiful thing to be part of. The evening starts off very low key, with the six band members all sharing an old radio mic, to deliver a mellifluous ‘Morning Gum’ backed only by Sam’s acoustic guitar.
The Kites have a wonderful cache of quiet, catchy, toe-tapping tunes, and ‘Change of the Wind’ is one of their best of the new album.
Sam is not your normal rock frontman, but has an engaging manner about him, and backed by the superbly tight band, he puts on quite a show.
He tells the crowd that this is the band’s first trip to Belfast. He later adds, in almost confessional tones, that his mother was born in Newtownards, to a mixed reaction of cheers and humorous boos from the crowd. But they unite in laughter when Sam adds somewhat sardonically, ‘But she got out of there!
And it is a show, rather than a gig. There’s been much thought put into the lighting and staging. A mini procession from the main stage by Sam, Dave, and Christina Lacey, into the middle of the auditorium and audience, led by a luminous white lamp, adds a little something different to the gig.
With musicianship at a high with the guitar skills of Sam and Dave, and the multi-skilled Chris Panousakis, adding depth and colour to the sound. Sterling work from the backbone of Josh Bentley on drums and percussion, and Sam Rasmussen on bass (and synthesisers), provides a solid canvas for the colouring and artistry of Sam, Dave, and the multi-talented Chris Panousakis.
Christina Lacey provides Guitar, keys and backing vocals to the band’s signature melancholic sound. Having really enjoyed her lead vocals on ‘Mess we made’ from their ‘On the corner where you live ’ album, I’m slightly disappointed that Christina’s languid vocals are underused on the night.
Still, it’s a minor quibble on a night when there is so much to admire, and brimming with quality
The closing one-two of the ever-popular, “Bloom” and new fan favourite, “When the Lavender Blooms” lands like a perfectly timed uppercut combination. Infectious, soaring, impossible to shake, it sends the crowd spilling into the Belfast night, humming hooks, and trading stories about the best parts of the show.
Tonight is the first date on their European tour, and with the new album receiving rave reviews, the Paper Kites are certainly flying!