Paper cranes happen to have a particular meaning in Japan; among other things they represent a symbol of hope and peace. Auckland duo, Paper Cranes resemble the musical quality of honey; sweet, fresh and easy to be enjoyed by anyone. Fraser and Naomi Browne who were born and grew up in Japan, share the sweet sentiments of their namesake and manage to use their gorgeous music to add a new dynamic to the term.
The melodies of Paper Cranes are so sweet you’ll be squealing “Kawaii!” before the track stops playing. Philosophical without being pretentious, this duo know how to hit the spot.
Fraser and Naomi met playing music at weddings in New Zealand. Eventually they started to play original music together, attracted to each others interest in folk music. Coming together was the most natural and brilliant fit for them. They are both strongly drawn to good and simple songs with lyrical integrity. This shows in their songs as their minimal themes drive a concept of simplicity, and in the greatest sense, letting the words speak for themselves. Their songs are delicate and fragile yet beautiful and wholesome, somewhat like the Japanese culture summed up into four adjectives.
This serene music couple is interested in the storytelling aspect of folk. A lot of their songs start with a good story or theme and go onwards from there. Paper Cranes have made it their mission to write good music with lyrics that many people could relate to. Their lyrics are also very down-to-earth and humble, representing a philosophy of good will along with their charm.
Speaking of the the context behind their musical arrangements Fraser has mused “It’s hard to single out a main theme, as there are several threads that are interconnected. In a literal sense, it’s about adventuring out on a journey from home, and then the mixed feelings you have on the road back”. He also notes “It’s an odd thing, but after going on an adventure where everything is fresh and exciting and weird and unusual, sometimes you can start to crave the simple homely things in life, like a home cooked meal, your own bed – or the familiar sights of your home town. And friends and family.”
He adds that their single, on The Road Home is also a metaphorical exploration of other themes which are part of life’s journey. Themes such as sickness and health, growing old and looking back at your youth, poverty and wealth, longing, love and loss, and life and death. Which in collection, sounds like a beautiful thing musically and cogently.
They observe from their travels, “People tend to think of time as a linear thing; you’re following a one-way road that you can’t get off. But in our memories and dreams parts of the road can be revisited, and even re-mapped. The long road to and from home.”
Welcome to a fresh taste of music, poetic and progressive power duo, Paper Cranes. Indie folk never sounded so sweet, and sub-genres have never been reshaped so sophisticatedly.
