24 February 2026 (gig)
2 h
The Paper Kites brought their indie folk sound to The Roundhouse in Camden for a show that felt relaxed, thoughtful and quietly engaging.
Formed in Melbourne in 2009, the Australian six-piece have spent the past decade building a loyal global following through understated songwriting and rich vocal harmonies. Their breakout track “Bloom” introduced many listeners to their intimate style, and they have continued to refine that sound without losing the sincerity at its core.
That sincerity was clear from the start. With five men and one woman on stage, the band carried an easy, unpretentious presence that suited their music perfectly, a blend of indie folk with subtle country influences.
Early on, the lead singer joked about spotting a Camden billboard promoting the show that someone had graffitied with the word “bleak.” He laughed that maybe it was accurate. It wasn’t. The set that followed felt calm and uplifting.
They mixed newer material with familiar favourites, promoting their latest record while giving the audience moments to connect with. “Every Town” stood out, its repeating lines and gentle melody filling the circular space of The Roundhouse. Another highlight came during “Paint”, when the band gathered around a single microphone and slowed the tempo right down. Seeing the six musicians leaning in together created one of the night’s most intimate moments.
Musically, the band were tight without being showy. The lead vocals were soft and clear, supported by layered harmonies and subtle instrumentation. A loop pedal added texture in places, while the vocal blend occasionally hinted at Fleetwood Mac.
A lovely moment came when they invited opening act Beth Sandwell back on stage for a duet of “Doing the Best With What I Know How”, stripped back and quietly moving.
Throughout the night, their humility stood out. They spoke about how much it meant to headline The Roundhouse, and the audience seemed to feel it too. Walking out into Camden afterwards, I felt lucky that London still has venues like this, spaces that bring people together and allow moments like these to happen.
A thoughtful performance that left the room feeling calm, connected and grateful.
Their seventh studio album, “If You Go There, I Hope You Find It”, is out now via Nettwerk, featuring tracks such as “When The Lavender Blooms”, “Morning Gum” and “Every Town”.
