一聽音樂網

'Little Letters', is the third album by Paper Aeroplanes, one of the UK's most acclaimed up-and-coming groups. The Welsh duo - Sarah Howells and Richard Llewellyn - have been making serious waves around the UK, touring constantly since getting together in 2009. Last year alone they played over one hundred dates, selling out venues across the UK and performing at a host of prominent music festivals. The long-awaited new album is their first release on the Navigator label. Their emotionally charged music and heartbreaking vocals have already gained Paper Aeroplanes some impressive fans in the media world. "Intimate, jaunty and confident low-key pop with great melody" is how The Guardian describes their music, while radio support has come from 6 Music's Steve Lamacq, Cerys Matthews, Chris Hawkins and Lauren Laverne and Radio 2's Bob Harris. Radio Wales are also big supporters of the duo, helping cement their burgeoning reputation in the principality. Musically, Sarah and Richard are inspired by the likes of Laura Veirs, Bjork, Jeff Buckley, Gillian Welch, Everything but the Girl and Lucinda Williams. 'Little Letters' is a step away from their previous two albums, with more of a full band feel that nevertheless maintains the duo's talent for catchy, atmospheric, folk-tinged songs. Their compositions are picturesque stories, inspired by their rural upbringing and the emotional extremes of past loves and friendships. Aside from the musical talents of Sarah and Richard, 'Little Letters' features a host of top players, such as John Parker on double bass (from Nizlopi who had a UK No.1 with "The JCB Song") and percussionist Martin Ditcham (Everything But The Girl, Talk Talk, Sade). The album was partly produced by Phill Brown (Bob Marley, Bombay Bicycle Club, Talk Talk) at Yellow Fish studio in Lewes, with much of the additional tracking taking place at Richard's flat in Cardiff. Brown's 'old school' influence is there for all to hear - the warmth of the analogue tape and the relaxed, atmospheric rhythm section recordings giving a great backbone to these 11 stunning songs. Paper Aeroplanes' brilliant album provides an intimate yet far reaching soundtrack to the duo's lives; each song a 'little letter' full of meaningful recollections and poignant personal moments. The result is a set of songs that are honest and raw, yet crammed with melodies that resonate in your head long after the record's finished.