Live Review: The Paper Kites, Patrick James

Australian indie rock-folk band The Paper Kites played to a sold-out crowd at Metro Theatre on Saturday night. The Metro filled up quickly and quite early; it seemed that most punters had wised up to that fact that the support artist, Patrick James, was not one to be missed.

Patrick James, a singer-songwriter from Port Macquarie, treated the audience to a delicious set of expertly crafted, well-written indie-rock tracks from his debut album Outlier. He serenaded the crowd from a piano with gentle love songs and got them clapping along when he picked up a guitar and joined the rest of his band for foot-stomping folk-rock tunes. James revealed he once toured with The Paper Kites when all parties were playing far smaller shows. “Its so nice to come full circle and play with the band for you here tonight,” he told the sold-out crowd.

Neon cords of light hanging from the ceiling and draped on the stage floor then flashed to life and Frank Sinatra began playing overhead. It was more like a Vivid art installation rather than the set of Melbourne’s own The Paper Kites. The five-piece band then took to the stage to open with Electric Indigo, from their new album twelvefour.

The band showcased their latest tracks from the album including Revelator Eyes and Renegade. The new material swayed away from the mellow, indie folk vibe that the band became known for after their previous EP Woodland and towards rock territory. Regardless of what kind of music they’re making, the unique voice on frontman Sam Bentley could make anything sound good.

It was obvious that the night wasn't quite over yet when the band exited the stage without ticking off their most requested track. Inevitably, The Paper Kites returned to end the night with Featherstone, pleasing new fans and supporters who have stuck around since those smaller shows.