States

Released in 2013, States marks the transition of The Paper Kites from a viral acoustic act to a sophisticated indie-folk ensemble. Recorded at Melbourne's Sing Sing Studios with producer Wayne Connolly, the album was distilled from over 40 demos into a cohesive 13-track narrative. While the band's signature fingerstyle guitar remains the backbone, States introduced a more diverse sonic palette, including the bluesy rock of 'A Lesson From Mr. Gray' and the ambient, sprawling 'I Done You So Wrong.' This record solidified their reputation for high-concept production and vocal precision. Critically, it was praised for its atmospheric depth and Sam Bentley's evocative songwriting, which often explores themes of distance, memory, and the passage of time. It remains a definitive document of the early 2010s indie-folk movement, bridging the gap between traditional folk and modern dream-pop.