by Morrighan Lee

Brooklyn synthpop sibling duo, Paperwhite, has released their five-track EP, Reach, after a nearly decade-long hiatus. Growing up just outside of Philadelphia, Katie (singer/songwriter) and Ben (producer/songwriter) Marshall wrote many songs together during their teens. Forming in 2013, the pair took the name Paperwhite after the flower. Since the release of their debut EP, Magic (2014), the siblings have taken the internet by storm, drawing the attention of some of the industry’s most notable publications, including Billboard, Buzzfeed, and Nylon. Their previous EP, Escape, was released in 2016. In 2024, the pair emerged from their sleepy hiatus and delivered Reach.

Siblings Katie & Ben Marshall aka Paperwhite photo by Dillon Puswald

According to press material, Paperwhite states that 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,” and that the EP is dedicated to “anyone who’s ever felt lost in a dream or found comfort in a feeling they couldn’t quite name.”

Paperwhite’s sound is a unique blend of pop and electronic soundscapes, drawing inspiration from 1980s synthpop, sending their listeners into the most euphoric dream space. This true out-of-body experience leaves the audience begging for more. I found myself in a trance listening to Reach; the frisson of the experience will not soon be forgotten. “This Feeling,” the fourth track on the EP, reflects the challenges of the unknown and the will to overcome; a message that just about anyone can relate to. Paperwhite has officially earned a permanent spot in my playlist rotation, and trust me, you’ll want them in yours too!

Reach is available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Paperwhite on their website, Instagram, X and more.

*Cover art and photo courtesy of Tullulah PR, photo by Dillon Puswald.