The Paper Kites – If You Go There, I Hope You Find It

If You Go There, I Hope You Find It by The Paper Kites is a calming and cathartic experience, laced with an abundance of parallelism. These rhythmic circles of words and the steady thrum of the melodies create a lullaby effect. With an affinity for nature and elemental lyricism, this new record by the Australian band dissects love – its strength, attachment, and how it connects individuals through the choices they make. More than that, it’s an exercise in self-introspection; there is realisation and character growth woven throughout these songs.

The group’s seventh album opens with Morning Gum – a mellow anthem that unfolds methodically, each measured verse delivered with poignance and grace. It sets a soft precedent for the rest of the record and acts as a quiet reassurance from the singer to his lover that no matter the places he travels or the magic they offer, he will always return to her. None of the pretty words he writes can compare to her presence beside him, a sentiment that becomes a clear throughline of the album.

The two tracks that follow are more upbeat and energetic. When the Lavender Blooms, in particular, feels nostalgic of 1990s and early 2000s romantic comedy soundtracks, especially with the introduction of female backing vocals. It sings of missed opportunities and letting chances pass by, striking a quietly lamenting chord despite the buoyancy of the tune.

After When the Lavender Blooms, the album once again takes a delicate turn with Stormwall’s long instrumental introduction. The motif of rain and weather hangs heavily over the track, creating an air of sadness and sorrow. It reflects on what must be endured in love, and the uncertainty of a connection that may not last. The delivery of the lyric, “I don’t know how far I’d fall / If I let you go,” is especially evocative, conjuring the image of stepping into the abyss without knowing whether one will survive the fall.

Deep (In the Plans We Made) carries the same melancholic tone – a beautifully tender and almost fantastical love song. The interplay between male and female vocals, paired with simple guitar strumming, melts into a hypnotic melody that heightens the intimacy of the lyrics.

Borne by You is a charming closer that gently lifts the listener from the emotional weight of the preceding tracks. Still slow in pacing, it carries a lightness that feels restorative. Listening to it is like coming up for air after being pushed and pulled by the tide. It ties the record together seamlessly, maintaining love as its emotional anchor while blending the album’s more energetic moments with its quieter, reflective core.

If You Go There, I Hope You Find It is an all-round enchanting listen.