PAPER THIN

Living With. Being Without. (Lost Boy)

Newcastle is doling out some seriously killer alternative at the moment, and Living With. Being Without. is all the proof one needs of that. Across four pure belters, Paper Thin dig into a wealth of gooey emo-punk perfection, fusing soft twangs and numbing riffs to shape compelling soundscapes. Guitars are just as crucial as the lyrics in rendering emotion here—for example the rapturous crescendo of Post-It Note, which bellies a flare of strained intensity with its pummelling wails before crumbling into a peaceful strum. It’s a notable step up from last year’s eponymous debut—which was stunning—and it feels like the band has cracked the code to stylistic charm: a lively mash-up of Camp Cope and Kisschasy by way of Blink 182’s two-tone lead vocals. Playing in pub shows right now, they’ll be filling theatres in no time. Matt Doria