Keeping homestyle songwriting exciting.

“You know me.” That’s how Paper Crown opens their newest album, Letters. This sets a precedent fulfilled time and time again throughout the entire aptly named project. Guitars inspired by rock songs of old litter in the first track, “Someone Else,” Paper Crown somehow makes the brand new song sound familiar, showing off the band’s nearly 10 years of experience. 

The title track, “Letters” is where the album really starts to get its footing. Wistfully singing about a 20-year-old letter to their past self, “Letters” pulls at the heartstrings enough to form a listener-artist connection without causing any lasting pain. As the singer seems to slip away into her own thoughts, wondering if her past-self is still in there somewhere, reliable percussion and a silky-smooth guitar keep listeners grounded and invested. 

The album only gets stronger from there. “Four Leaf Clover” is a powerhouse riddled with even better percussion than the previous song and considerably more confidence that only strengthens the already powerful vocals. 

“Knees Deep” introduces a much folksier atmosphere with an immediate fiddle and overall more upbeat mood. Yet, Paper Crown switches things up with a slide guitar to create a song that always seems to have more to give. This folk vibe carries onto the following song, “Oh The Irony.” Fully leaning into their characteristic genre now, layered, melodic bluegrass-inspired vocals define the song. Vocal flips bestrew the picked guitar backing track and create a beautifully full and homey quality. 

The band’s rock capabilities come back into the spotlight with “Parachute.” While the lyrics aren’t particularly groundbreaking, the song makes up for it with its electric guitar that pops in and out when it pleases. A nearly 30-second instrumental interlude and similar outro both define the song and save it from itself. 

An album as cohesive as this is hard to come by, but Paper Crown seems to achieve it with ease. Both fun and relaxing to listen to, Letters has a little something for everyone. Whether you come looking for this weekend’s perfect backyard cookout album or a little reminder of a home far away, Paper Crown has exactly what you need.