The Paper Kites may be one of the most prolific acts in the country. Mere months after the release of On the Train Ride Home, the Melbourne band have dropped a brand new album, On the Corner Where You Live. The band explains this is a sort of companion piece, yet both albums are so different. The first was more delicate and laidback folk, while this collection of midtempo indie-pop gems has a real fire in its belly.
It’s a concept album of sorts, conceived as a series of vignettes telling the stories of people living in a New York City apartment that faced the band’s hotel.
“You could see all these windows lighting up and people getting home from their nights out,” recounted Paper Kites frontman Sam Bentley. “We just sat there and watched them. It was fascinating. It was living art.”
It’s easy to forget the concept though and imagine the band is sharing its own stories, because they’re delivered with such sincerity. But every now and then there’s a track like “Midtown Waitress,” with lyrics addressing such specific circumstances, that reminds you of this album’s inspiration.
On the Corner Where You Live’s opening instrumental’s jazzy saxophone and piano recall film noir, but that gives way to a more ‘80s retro feel with “Give Me Your Fire, Give Me Your Rain.” It’s one of the album’s strongest tracks, a powerful track, full of emotion and yearning. It’s a natural predecessor to the single “Deeper Burn,” a song which is similarly passionate and longing.
Christina Lacy takes lead vocals on “Mess We Made,” making me wonder why she hasn’t grabbed the microphone sooner. Perhaps it’s only fitting here though, where we’re meant to hear songs from different perspectives. What a beautiful voice she has, with such nuance to it. The poignant song takes the album to a different place, reminding us of the real struggles of relationships.
“Flashes” is perhaps the closest to a song that could have appeared on On the Train Ride Home. It’s subtle, with little more than an acoustic guitar keeping time and gentle vocals. Sitting almost in the middle of the album, it gives us a moment to catch our breath, the calm eye of an emotional storm.
The back-end of On The Corner Where You Live is a little more subdued than the front. Perhaps we’re winding down after a wild night in the Big Apple. The title track feels like a retro classic, with its reassuring, romantic lyrics and hooks. I can just imagine cranking this one up and hitting the highway. “When It Hurts You” is another stellar song, a dreamy exploration of empathy during the hard times that contrasts so beautifully with the simple, stripped-back piano musings of “Does It Every Cross Your Mind.”
While I’d slip On the Train Ride Home on as background music, On the Corner Where You Live has the sort of songs that have me singing along, tapping my feet, bobbing my head, really engaging. It’s full of hooks and lyrics that cut to the heart. Its tracks might tell stories of other people, but I found a real connection in them.
On the Corner Where You Live is out now.
Image used with permission from On the Map PR