Woodland

Woodland is the debut EP from Australian indie-folk outfit The Paper Kites, a release that immediately established their signature sound of intricate fingerstyle guitar and lush, breathy vocal harmonies. Recorded in a period when the 'stomp and holler' folk movement was peaking, The Paper Kites took a more restrained, atmospheric approach, leaning into the 'chamber folk' aesthetic. The EP is anchored by the breakout success of 'Bloom,' a track that became a viral sensation for its simple, evocative melody and romantic sincerity. Sonically, the record favors analog warmth and significant reverb, creating a 'woodland' atmosphere that matches its title. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the band's ability to create a cohesive mood that transcends the individual tracks, praising the interplay between Sam Bentley and Christina Lacy. This EP remains a foundational text for the 2010s indie-folk revival, showcasing a band already fully formed in their aesthetic identity.