Paper Aeroplanes

Paper Aeroplanes was a Welsh alternative pop duo consisting of Sarah Howells and Richard Llewellyn. Formed in 2009 after the dissolution of their previous project, Halflight, the band became a cornerstone of the UK indie-folk scene throughout the 2010s.

Their sound identity is defined by a 'West Coast' folk-rock influence filtered through a distinctly British, melancholic lens, drawing frequent comparisons to The Sundays and Fleetwood Mac. Sarah Howells' vocal delivery is central to their identity, characterized by a breathy, emotive quality that conveys vulnerability without sacrificing melodic precision. The duo's career arc saw them evolve from coffee-shop tours to selling out prestigious venues like Union Chapel, supported by heavy rotation on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music. Critically, they were praised for their 'disarming' pop sensibility and the sophisticated craftsmanship of their arrangements. Following their 2017 split, Howells transitioned into the grittier, rock-oriented project Bryde, while their collective catalog remains a benchmark for the chamber-folk and alt-pop crossover movement of the early 21st century.