Paperfriend is the musical moniker of long-time best friends, Dean Ince (vocals/guitar) and Matt Ladbrooke (bass). Hailing from Maidstone, Kent, the UK-based duo assume an experimental, self-produced approach to emo-laced alternative rock that’s guided by the influence of bands such as Jimmy Eat World, Biffy Clyro, and Deaf Havana.
Though formed in 2015, Paperfriend first debuted on the scene three years later with their album, ‘Foreign Lives.’ The release gained some immediate traction as they took on supporting slots for the modern pop-punk powerhouse, Carousel Kings, as well as VUKOVI the following year.
The band went on to release two EPs, ‘Mental Health’ and ‘I’m Over This,’ in 2019 and 2020. Marked by increased sonic complexity, these latest iterations exemplified their capacity to put forth raw emotionality in a polished package, aptly earning them a spot among Alternative Press’ “Rising Emo Artists” feature in November 2020.
Paperfriend’s latest single, ‘My Life’s Work’ (2021), kicks off their next iteration. Incorporating new stylistic elements, such as electronic beats, as well as unrestrained lyrical thematics that focus on lived experiences, the band describes their forthcoming EP ‘Rebuild / Recover’ as increasingly “honest and raw” relative to earlier releases.
