Music

Paperwhite’s Dreamy New EP ‘Reach’ Is a Comeback You’ll Want to Get Lost In

29 June

“We made it for anyone who’s ever felt lost in a dream or found comfort in a feeling they couldn’t quite name.”

It’s been nearly a decade since Paperwhite first floated into our lives with their 2016 debut Escape—all glossy synths, dreamy vocals, and just the right amount of stardust. And now, the NYC-based sibling duo—Katie and Ben Marshall—are back with Reach, a stunning five-track EP that’s equal parts nostalgia and evolution. It’s out everywhere today, and yes, it’s worth the wait.

For longtime fans who’ve been quietly humming “Take Me Back” for years, Reach will feel like a warm return. But this isn’t just a rehash of the Paperwhite we knew—it’s a richer, more cinematic version of the band, layered with organic textures and deeper emotion. It sounds like the same dream, but one that’s grown with you.

Take the standout track “Looking Back.” It first began to take shape during the pandemic—those hazy, reflective months we all tried to make sense of—and has now emerged as something quietly powerful. With acclaimed composer and cellist Philip Sheppard adding sweeping string arrangements, the song takes on a new, emotional dimension. It’s Paperwhite at their most poignant, capturing a sense of longing with cinematic finesse.

But don’t be fooled—Reach isn’t just about looking backward. As Katie and Ben put it, the EP is “a reflection of where we’ve been and where we’re going… shaped by longing, nostalgia, and the quiet magic of memory.” Each track feels like a different stop on that journey. There’s the glimmering intro “The Space Between,” the softly euphoric “Unfold,” and the intimate “By Your Side.” And then there’s “This Feeling”—a track that just begs to be played during golden hour, windows down, heart full.

Paperwhite have always felt like the cool kids of synth-pop—not loud or flashy, but quietly consistent, always making music that feels like a friend. Over the years, they’ve racked up praise from Billboard, Vice, Buzzfeed, and been named Hype Machine’s Most Blogged Artist not once, but twice. They’ve also opened for names like SOFI TUKKER, Oh Wonder, and Great Good Fine Ok—carving out a space of their own with grace and grit.

The singles from Reach began dropping in late 2024, teasing a new chapter. And now, with the full project finally here, it’s clear: Paperwhite never really left. They were just quietly crafting something beautiful.

Whether you’ve been following them since Tumblr days or you’re just discovering them now, Reach reminds us of how music can make us feel seen, held, and a little more hopeful.

Stream Reach now on Spotify and Apple Music.