As the venue gradually fills up for the sold-out show of The Paper Kites, Opener Rosie Carney takes the stage first. The 27-year-old British singer is accompanied by a small ensemble featuring a bassist, a guitarist, and a tiny launchpad loaded with sound effects. During her set, when asked how she’s doing, she tells the crowd she “lost her voice for a few days but is doing okay now.”
Her set, comprising seven songs, includes folky pop ballads like ‘Dad’ and ‘i dreamed i was the night.’ These songs highlight her ethereal and dreamy vocal quality, captivating the audience and leading them into a serene, daydream-like state. Her musical growth is noticeable as she plays new renditions of her old songs and introduces new ones alongside her comrades.
Though Rosie Carney has been active as a singer-songwriter for the past decade, she remains relatively unknown. This hasn’t hindered her career progression. She debuted in 2019 with the album Bare. Despite the challenges of 2020, she released an EP titled i dreamed i was the night, collaborated with The Paper Kites on the song ‘By My Side,’ and produced a full cover album of Radiohead’s The Bends. The pandemic didn’t slow her down, as she followed up in 2022 with her sophomore album, i wanna feel happy. Rosie might not be very well-known now, but we’ll keep an eye on her musical journey and can’t wait to hear more from this talented young woman!
After a quick break the beloved indie rock/folk rock band from Melbourne, Australia, The Paper Kites takes to the stage at Theater Rotterdam, delivering a performance that is both intimate and grandiose, a testament to their 15-year journey in the music world. Formed in 2009 by lead vocalist/guitarist Sam Bentley and keyboardist/guitarist Christina Lacy, the Australian indie-folk band has grown to an eight-member ensemble, creating a rich, layered soundscape that has enchanted fans worldwide.
The night’s setlist is a carefully curated mix of tracks from their extensive discography, including songs from their latest album, At The Roadhouse, released on September 1st, 2023. The album was conceived in a small village. An old building in this village had been transformed into a bar called The Roadhouse, where performances were held every Friday and Saturday night. These shows were not advertised but were open to anyone who wanted to come. At the band’s first show, only five people were present, but word of mouth gradually filled the venue to its maximum capacity by the end of the month. This organic growth is evident in the diverse audience on this night, all brought together by the band’s hauntingly beautiful tunes. “It wasn’t any sort of viral thing, it was a really natural build-up of people sharing our music,” Bentley reflected on their musical journey.
The concert is divided into two distinct sets: the first half features the band’s mellow, laid-back, and dreamy side, while the latter half ramps up the energy with more active and rock-infused tracks. The show was opened with the hauntingly serene ‘Between the Houses’, a song that explores themes of seeking authenticity, embracing individuality, and finding truth amidst the chaos of modern life. The lyrics suggest a yearning for genuine connections and experiences in a world that often feels superficial and insincere.
Midway through the first set, Bentley pauses to share a heartfelt appreciation speech, expressing gratitude for the ability to discover so much of the country and the joy of playing in so many different cities and seeing fans from various cities come to their shows. “It’s a real honour to be playing for you tonight, thank you so much.”
Adding a touch of humour to the evening, Bentley quips about the local bike culture. “You know, back where we’re from, people get excited when they get a new car. Is it like that with a bike? Do you take out loans to buy a new bike?” The crowd chuckles, appreciating the light-hearted observation.
As the concert transitions to its more rock-oriented section, the band performs ‘Without Your Love’, featuring a riveting guitar solo that showcases Powys’ prowess, and ‘June’s Stolen Car’, a groovy rock song about a girl who stole a car.
The evening’s climax comes with the performance of ‘Bloom’, one of their most beloved tracks. The audience sways in unison, the song’s gentle melodies creating a sense of cosy warmth, displayed in the huddle formed by the band for this specific song, that perfectly encapsulates the band’s essence. The Paper Kites’ ability to connect so deeply with their audience, both through their music and their genuine interactions, made for an unforgettable night.
Another highlight of the night is ‘By My Side’, a duet with opener Rosie Carney. This collaboration brings a new depth to the performance, and the crowd is invited to join in on the backing vocals, creating a beautiful moment of unity and shared experience.
The Paper Kites’ performance is a beautiful blend of nostalgia and new beginnings, a celebration of their journey and the places their music continues to take them and their fans. With six studio albums and two EPs under their belt, they’ve carved out a unique niche in the indie rock/folk rock scene, and their live performances are a testament to their enduring appeal. As the final notes faded into the night, it was clear that The Paper Kites had once again woven their magic, leaving the audience enchanted and yearning for more.
Written by: Lani Anna
Photographed by: Lani Anna
Edited by: Marieke Weeda
