Paper Jones, are an alternative rock band from Lancaster, whose quirky, idiosyncratic and infectious music, has you singing along, before you have fully learnt all the lyrics. Comprised of Lonika Williams on vocals, Jake Brindley on guitar and backing vocals, Connor Griffiths on guitar, Leo Parada on bass and Ben Jackson on drums and production, Paper Jones are nomadic noisemakers, that can neither be tied down or easily placed in one single category. They are fluidity of fun and frolics, wandering barefoot in the wilderness of neo-folk, neo-dream-pop, math-rock, post-grunge, neo-funk and jangly rock.
What’s great about Paper Jones is their innate chemistry, sense of adventure and genuine feeling that they are enjoying themselves on their musical journey. Modest, unassuming and happy-go-lucky, Paper Jones are a breath of fresh air, that take everything in their stride, giving any pretentious big egos a massive wide birth. You see, Paper Jones are the real deal, the bona-fide earthbound musicians, who are in it for the pleasure, kinship and venturing across a boundless creative landscape.
In a world of digital enhancements and synthetic sonics, Paper Jones rip up the rule book and go back to the basics of alternative rock, and rework the DIY ethos of post-punk. They are a band of spontaneity and structure, chaos and calm, and wide-eyed wonder that soaks up emotion and remodels with a burst of playful optimism. Through the exquisite vocals of Williams, Paper Jones soothes the senses, offering a soul sanctuary of blissed-out blues and tranquil tones. Think an unplugged Nora Jones, meets Harriett Wheeler, camping outdoors and chilling on a halcyon hammock, beneath the stars, then you get the idea of the shear sheer beauty and vocal purity which Williams gravitates towards.
Through the free-flowing strums of Brindley, Griffiths, and Parada, Paper Jones spins across the timelines of Indie-rock, picking up the plectrum of math-rock, whilst looping the stripped down acoustics of neo-folk. They are a progressive band, that collide with the debris of dream-pop dust and jangle from the stellar strums, likened to Mazzy Star, The Sundays, and Delta Sleep. Along with the sliding riffs and pensive preening, Paper Jones walk the pathways of post-grunge, whilst dipping their toes into the DNA pools of Biffy Clyro and Paramore. Along with the tepid beats of Jackson and the thought provoking lyrics of the band, Paper Jones evoke a sense of breezy melancholy that survive the storm, dancing in puddles, with a sprightly exuberance, whilst leaving a few scattered sandbags along the way.
Following the success of their single “Someone to Swim With”, released in October 2025, Paper Jones have been busy gigging locally and catching the eye of the BBC Introducing hosts, who played their latest single, “Smoke”, on their evening show. Released on March 20th 2025, “Smoke” has been selected as the Manc Review’s “Single Of The Month”. Taken from the bands forthcoming debut EP “Slow and Steady Catches the Worm”, due to be released in the summer of 2026, “Smoke” is a wonderful track, that rises from the ashes of melancholy and lingers in a daze of sunshine haze.
Whether it was intentional or not, releasing “Smoke” during the Spring Equinox, couldn’t be any more fitting. Instantly likeable, “Smoke” is just one of those songs that renews the energy from dusk to dawn and makes you feel connected with the cycles of life. It’s a spiritual surge, a daytime lullaby, which oozes serenity and snoozes the troubles away from the billowing breeze of darkness. Through the soothing vocals, curling strums and wholesome harmonies, “Smoke” drifts above the mountain-tops of folk-rock, and levitates between the dusky crevices of melodic math-rock. Lyrically tender and heartfelt, “Smoke” is testament to the band’s skill at penning a tune, is simultaneously uplifting and peacefully introspective, and places them firmly on the radar as one of Lancaster’s most exciting new bands.