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THE PAPER KITES
+ The Roadhouse Band:
A Music Love Letter or a
Prelude to Heartbreak
@ The Tivoli, Brisbane,
14th June 2024
(Live Review)

Review by Audrey Songvilay

Photos of the Freo. Social Event on 8th June by Adrian Thomson (@_awii_)

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THE PAPER KITES, Freo.Social, 08/06/2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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Walking into Brisbane’s The Tivoli feels like stepping into a close friend’s living room, where the intimacy is palpable and the connection is instant.

On Friday, June 14, The Paper Kites and The Roadhouse Band transformed this cosy, indoor theatre into a sanctuary of sound and emotion.

Their Australian Tour marked the release of their sixth studio album, “At The Roadhouse.”

It all started when they stumbled upon an abandoned heritage spot in Campbell’s Creek, a small Aussie town. They breathed new life into the venue, transforming it into The Roadhouse—a creative sanctuary where they poured their souls into a month-long residency, bringing this project to life.

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THE PAPER KITES, Freo.Social, 08/06/2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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Sam Bentley, the band’s frontman, shared a chuckle about their humble beginnings: “I think 8 people showed up the first night.”

But from those modest roots blossomed an unforgettable evening of musical storytelling.

The night began with “Between the Houses,” setting the tone for the evening. The lights were low, the production minimal yet evocative, perfectly tailored to the band’s ethereal folk sound that seems to float somewhere between a dream and reality.

“Till the Flame Turns Blue” followed, enveloping the audience in a warm glow. By the time they launched into “Hurts So Good,” the crowd was fully entranced, swaying gently to the rhythm. The soft, shimmering lights mirrored the band’s gentle harmonies. The crowd, a mix of couples, friends, and solo listeners, settled into a collective hush, hanging onto every note and lyric.

It’s an interesting feeling to watch people come together – each with their own unique experiences, yet all brought together by the same music.

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THE PAPER KITES, Freo.Social, 08/06/2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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As Bentley shared anecdotes between songs, the audience was transported into the heart of The Paper Kites’ songwriting process. He described the inspiration behind songs like “Nothing More Than That” and “Green Valleys,” sharing stories that painted vivid pictures of love found and lost. “Our songs are like realisations for relationships,” Bentley mused, “where some couples find themselves falling deeper in love, while others realise they’re not going to last.”

“Bloom,” their most popular song, was stripped down to an unplugged acoustic version. The band gathered around a one mic as the crowd softly joined in on “Can I Be Close to You.” You could feel the emotion in the air, like a collective heartbeat. These songs aren’t just heard—they’re felt deeply.

As they moved through the setlist, standouts like “Good Nights Gone,” “Black & Thunder,” and an exquisite cover of Adrianne Lenker’s “Anything” showcased the band’s versatility and emotional depth.

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THE PAPER KITES, Freo.Social, 08/06/2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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After a beautiful performance of “Darkness at My Door,” the band exited the stage, leaving the audience chanting, “One more song! One more song!”

The band returned for an encore, delivering heartfelt performances of “By My Side” and “Electric Indigo.”

As the evening drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of lingering among the audience. People who had arrived as strangers left with a shared experience, a collection of moments that felt almost sacred. The Paper Kites’ performance at The Tivoli was a beautifully crafted journey through the landscapes of the heart. Sam Bentley’s final words lingered in the air, a gentle reminder of the power of music to connect us all —a chance to pause, reflect, and feel deeply.

If you ever get the chance to see them live, take it. You’ll leave either deeply in love or with a freshly shattered heart.

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THE PAPER KITES, Freo.Social, 08/06/2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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Check out Adrian Thomson’s (@_awii_) full gallery of the Freo. Social event on 8th June HERE

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THE PAPER KITES, Freo.Social, 08/06/2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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Follow THE PAPER KITES
WEBSITE – FACEBOOK – INSTAGRAM – X
 YOUTUBE –SPOTIFY – APPLE MUSIC  

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THE PAPER KITES, Freo.Social, 08/06/2024 / Photo – @_awii_

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Press Release 26th March 2024 (below) HERE

THE PAPER KITES
announce homecoming headline
shows for June 2024

Returning from their
sold-out US tour

Tickets on sale Tuesday!

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AMNPLIFY – DB