After nearly a decade of anticipation, synth-pop duo Paperwhite—siblings Katie Marshall (vocals/songwriter) and Ben Marshall (producer/songwriter)—unveil their poignant sophomore EP, Reach, out today on all streaming platforms. This five-track collection marks a triumphant return for the New York-based pair, who first captured the internet’s imagination with their 2016 debut Escape, earning acclaim from Billboard, Vice, and Buzzfeed, twice topping Hype Machine’s “Most Blogged Artist” list, and sharing stages with Oh Wonder, SOFI TUKKER, and Great Good Fine Ok.
Reach stays true to Paperwhite’s signature dreamy, synth-driven aesthetic while expanding their palette with organic textures and cinematic grandeur. The EP’s emotional centerpiece is “Looking Back”—a track conceived during the pandemic’s isolation and revisited with renewed perspective. The duo enlisted acclaimed composer and cellist Philip Sheppard (known for work with David Bowie, Coldplay) to weave stunning string arrangements that elevate the song’s wistful nostalgia into a soaring testament of hope. As shimmering melodies and atmospheric production cascade through tracks like “The Space Between” and “Unfold,” themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and quiet wonder resonate, creating music that feels both comfortingly familiar and strikingly evolved.
“The ‘Reach’ EP is a reflection of where we’ve been and where we’re going—a collection of songs shaped by longing, nostalgia, and the quiet magic of memory,” Paperwhite shares. “We made it for anyone who’s ever felt lost in a dream or found comfort in a feeling they couldn’t quite name. We hope it brings a sense of wonder and a little more light.” Following a late-2024 comeback single that signaled their return, Reach solidifies Paperwhite’s place in the synth-pop landscape—a world rich with feeling, memory, and the resonant glow of rediscovery.
Listen to Reach:
Spotify | Apple Music
EP Tracklist:
- The Space Between
- Unfold
- By Your Side
- This Feeling
- Looking Back (feat. Philip Sheppard)
Rome is a freelance writer and photographer. He brings a fresh perspective to the indie music scene and highlights emerging artists and underground movements. His writing style is drawn from personal experiences and a deep love for the art form.