Paper Anthem are a band fronted by American singer songwriter Joseph Hitchcock. After the success of their third record The Year You’ll Never Get Back, he relocated to London and created a new line-up for the project. Their new EP has got them on our radar, as well as heralding a new era for the band. It’s called A Victimless Crime.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Emma Smith

Joining Joseph in the new look Paper Anthem are Romanian bassist Carlo Haltrich, Nottingham’s Joe Spoors on drums, and Lebanese guitarist Noor Harajli. A sign of the times, the band mostly came together thanks to websites dedicated to finding new band members.

A Victimless Crime is six tracks exploring different aspects of life and relationships told through Joseph’s unique lens. It opens with Malus, and we’re straight into it with some lively, jangly indie rock akin to Bloc Party. After its instrumental intro we arrive at a melancholic groove with some expressive vocals delivering some sharply-observed lyrics. It’s a start that instantly grabs you, and I could tell I was in for a treat.

Phantom brings with it some sardonic storytelling, recounting the autobiographical tale of a love triangle. It gives us an emotional side of the Paper Anthem sound thanks to its slow-burning and soaring instrumental arrangement. She is a bittersweet love story, written to try and save a relationship. Its lively tempo and soulful vocals make it a highlight.

Sandsnake brings with it some acoustic intimacy and it’s easy to get lost in its ambient layers. Gameplan keeps things acoustic but ups the tempo. When You Know (You Know) closes the EP with some quiet reflection in the first verse that develops into an anthemic, cinematic chorus. It’s a final highlight.

If you happen to be in London on 29 January, Paper Anthem will be playing at The Shacklewell Arms with The Gulps. Tickets are available here.

A Victimeless Crime was produced by Brett Shaw and Danny Monk. You can give it a listen below.