York-based indie-folk duo Lion Papers have released their EP Long Time Coming. Following on from last year’s release, single Beautiful Disaster the name does feel quite apt.

By Graeme Smith

Building on their previous two-track release, this four-track EP brings a maturing of their sound, without losing what is fundamentally Lion Papers: guitar, stripped down percussion and a hell of a lot of energy. Opening track Long Time Coming swaggers along with a bluesy riff and vocals which have grown out of Mersey-beat, Madchester and The House Martins: unmistakably Northern.

Something Special is full of dreamy longing and percussion that suggests a long train journey somewhere far away. Velveteen continues the theme. This is a story of heartbreak, a lost love. It’s anthemic nature invites the comparison to early Mumford and Sons, one that Lion Papers probably get a lot. Seas of Green closes the EP in a more optimistic style, though the love doesn’t feel entirely reclaimed.

Lion Papers have built quite a reputation as ones to watch in York. The turnout at the launch of Long Time Coming at Fibbers certainly suggests word has got out about them locally. It’s now time for Jimmy and Curtis to take to the national stage. We wait a full length album with anticipation, but even another EP like this one could be enough to get them the recognition they need.

Long Time Coming was released on 10 August 2016.