Ones To Watch: The Paper Shades

It’s not unusual to come across bands matching acoustic guitars with layers of harmonies, singing about lost loves and heartbreak. But what makes Cornwall’s indie-folk duo different is that of the pairing of Sarah Dollar and Jon Rixon who, by sharing the vocals in a male-female dynamic, create a beautifully fresh sound as their two voices complement each other perfectly. Currently in the midst of making their debut album, due for release later this year, The Paper Shades have been recording at the infamous Monnow Valley Studio, where the likes of Oasis, Manic Street Preachers and Black Sabbath have all graced the studio with their efforts; The Paper Shades certainly don’t appear to be content to do things by halves.

Their latest release, ‘Strong’, is a lilting, wistful tune, with the pair’s delicate vocals floating across gentle acoustic guitars and drum beats. Think First Aid Kit meets Jack Johnson, albeit at their most subtle. The band thrives on the track’s stripped back simplicity, allowing their harmonies to sparkle and the melodies to take centre stage. The song is resonant of those English coastlines that the band call home and the sounds of waves on a distant shore, or (less stylishly) a seagull’s caw, wouldn’t sound out of place on the recording. With indie-folk music gathering a large following over the past few years, The Paper Shades could well be onto a winner. With their boy-meets-girl duets, and their less-is-more approach to songwriting, they’re certainly ones to watch over the next few months.

Double A-side ‘Strong’/’Home is available now, along with B-side ‘Lakes’, on Indie Kitchen Records – buy it here. And keep an eye out for live dates this summer, and the release of their – sure to be lovely – new album.

 

Tara Hodgson

@tarahodgson