Melbourne's pop-punk wunderkinds, Paperweight reveal optimistically rebellious debut EP, 'Green Lotus Blooms'
Photo by Kane Hibberd
Melbourne’s pop-punk wunderkinds, Paperweight have bounced in to 2022 with the release of their debut EP, ‘Green Lotus Blooms’, having spun a pandemic origin story into non-stop triumphs.
Following the release of two attention-grabbing singles, the EP rounds of a hectic, achievement-scoring period for the four-piece, having already scored a debut festival appearance at Knight & Day (which featured Parkway Drive, Polaris and more), Paperweight first sprung on to the scene at the start of Covid, rising above any hurdles thrown their way, and in the process, creating a part love-letter to influences New Found Glory and Neck Deep via their unique take on the genre.
‘Green Lotus Blooms’ is the epitome of the next generation of pop-punk; while the nasally, brattish vocals are still ever-present, as well as the fast, danceable/moshable beats, and power chord overload, it’s the giddy optimism (or just acceptance, regardless of heavy times), in place of Gen X’s sarcastic, nihilistic style, and the emo-flavours from the Millennials’ take, that makes a release like ‘Green Lotus Blooms’ a beacon of hope for those of us that still love our guitar-based rock music.
The obvious improvements in production are there, with fuller drum tones, brighter-but-deeper bass, and extra pop/hip-hop tricks thrown in the mix. The cute intro/segue, ‘Pilot’ with the use of ukulele, blends seamlessly in to the almost Bowling For Soup-ish ‘Scapegoat’, while second single, ‘Asteroids…’ lures you in, again with the use of ukulele, before slamming you sideways with riffage and a morphing half-time beat (and the cheeky middle 8 where it borrows a little from Save Ferris - minus the use of horns). ‘Fairy Floss’ is a blast of fun, fluorescent punk to have you bouncing in place for two and three quarter minutes, while EP closer (and first single) ‘Tracks’ blends a touch of electronica with New Found Glory flavours into a massive slab of infectious pop-punk. Paperweight have produced an offering worthy of Generation Tik Tok’s attention; it’s relevant, catchy, and optimistically rebellious.
Paperweight have already grabbed the attention of triple J, Unearthed radio, and Triple M’s Hard and Heavy, as well as maintaining a professional collaboration with the acclaimed Aussie alternative management company Open Door Management (Northlane, The Butterfly Effect, Make Them Suffer).
Boasting an enviable live rap sheet in an extremely short space of time, including a previous sold out support slot with fellow Melbourne pop-rockers Terra and a sold-out debut headline show at Stay Gold in Melbourne last March, the sky is entirely the limit for this loveable quartet comprising of childhood friends Luana Tosti-Guerra (rhythm guitar) and Basil February (drums), purveyor of bright hair Haris Dillinger (vocals) and Ballarat’s #1 tourist attraction Tom Ballinger (lead guitar).
With recent releases like the ridiculously catchy Asteroids! And Where To Find Them’, jangly tune ‘Tracks’ and the irresistible ‘Whisper Games’ continuing to turn heads in and around the industry, 2022 is set to be an unforgettable chapter in the continuing Paperweight journey – strap in and join Paperweight as they rise higher than ever this year!
Jump aboard the Paperweight train and take in ‘Green Lotus Blooms’ via all streaming platforms now.
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