Paperwhite - Escape EP

Paperwhite
Escape
2016
Spotify

Whatever they are putting in the water in Brooklyn is creating some of the most exciting and diverse versions of synthpop in the world. With titans of the genre like St. Lucia, Penguin Prison and others Paperwhite are wading into some treacherous waters, but they are more than ready for them. This new EP Escape features some really great anthemic music that you cannot help but groove to. Really any track on the EP could be a single as they all have this intensely melodic quality coupled with a great sense on the synth. Where someone like M83 overloads you with 80s style and almost no substance pulling the music forward Paperwhite are able to make songs that connect right away. The brother and sister duo harness some really great energy and pump each track with it to get you almost jumping out of your seat as you listen. Ben who also doubles as the drummer for Savoir Adore does the heavy production lifting while sister Katie warms us with her crystal clear vocals. The light touch the duo use is also something to behold. They could have put a whole lot more behind these songs, but that would have just been noise. They can sense almost organically what makes a good pop song and they are able to just do it.

Probably the two best tracks on the record are "Wanderlust" and "Storm". They are anthemic to say the least. From the very first listen you already find yourself singing along and connecting with the messages. Anyone who has ever traveled can understand that feeling of beauty and majesty that Paperwhite capture so perfectly. "Storm" is just an all out call to action that wraps you up in it's swirling builds. As the synths get louder the song becomes more and more powerful. Escape really has very few faults, perhaps it is a little specific and if synthpop is not your cup a tea you may have a hard time getting through. But for anyone who loves to pump their fist and sing along this is the EP for you. If the siblings stay on this path there are going to be some really incredible things on the horizon. The worst part is the waiting.

8.1 out of 10