Amongst the many up and coming bands Melbourne seem to produce, five-piece folk outfit The Paper Kites certainly seem to shine very brightly. After the online release of their widely popular single “Bloom” in late 2010, the band started to gain momentum as talk of the group spread around town and venues started filling.

After a handful of shows in Australia & New Zealand and supports with Hungry Kids of Hungary & Passenger (UK), the band decided to put together an official release. They teamed up with Melbourne’s Tim Johnston (Nick Cave, The Waifs) and spent the earlier part of 2011 year writing and recording their debut release. They emerged from the studio releasing the first single “Featherstone” in June. The single was a taste of the whimsical undertones their music captures.

With August came the unveiling of the new EP Woodland. Front man Sam Bentley said the songs on the release were crafted to resemble a storybook. The band worked in the studio to create an earthy element to the recording, capable of bringing the listener in to the world of Woodland. He mentioned the songs were inspired by the formative books of his childhood and the works of authors like Enid Blyton and Maurice Sendak.

With the new release the band played to a sold out crowd at Melbourne’s iconic Corner Hotel and were hand picked to join Josh Pyke on his ‘Only Sparrows’ national tour through September. As well as supporting Boy & Bear on their national ‘Moonfire’ tour in November.