Paper Verses To Release New EP ‘Promises’

Paper Verses, a folk duo from Kent comprised of Simone Lincoln and Matt Evans, is excited to announce the release of their new four-track EP ‘Promises’ on May 29, 2026. The duo will be performing at various UK venues and festivals across the summer – live dates listed below. 

Following the well-received debut EP ‘Life Lines’, released earlier in the year, Americana UK wrote, “Life Lines may be Paper Verses’ first recorded offering, but on this evidence, they are destined to become one of the new stars on the UK folk circuit.” The new EP, ‘Promises’, was recorded at Big Jelly studios in Ramsgate and engineered by Mike Collins (Allo Darlin’). It is an intimate collection of original acoustic songs, exploring the dysfunction, longing and hope within our relationships.  Matt’s unique acoustic flat-picking guitar style stands out, alongside Simone’s exceptional vocals. Red Guitar Music stated, ‘A voice comparable to Sandy Denny’, describing vocals that shift easily from delicate lightness to powerful delivery. The EP features intricate melodies and beautiful two-part harmonies. Some tracks are complemented by the gentle hum of harmonium, harmonica, and violin, with BJ Cole lending his pedal steel skills to the track ‘Backstarting’. 

The lyrics on the EP draw you in and make you think. The duo’s recently released single ‘Saturday’ is included; an unsentimental love song of tempered expectations, pragmatism and hope.  ‘Life and how to live it’ is a lament on the search for meaning and the way that our experiences can erode the hopes that we once might have started with. Family Song’  is a song about the beauty and disfunctionality of families. The way we each play our part in the repeating patterns and the realisation that we will carry on regardless. The EP closes with the impressive ‘Backstarting’, this song tries to capture the complex and confusing experience of being treated badly in a relationship yet still wanting that person back. This song features beautiful and understated Pedal Steel from the legendary BJ Cole. 

“Now you’re gone, I’ll sing you this song, but I hope, and I pray, I see you once again.”

“But where did you go?”

Simone Lincoln, born in England and raised in Germany, is a classically trained singer. She studied and sang opera for several years. Her background as a music therapist and psychotherapist helps her connect musically on an emotional level rarely heard these days. Her voice embodies both strength and fragility, combining power and grace. 

Matt Evans is influenced by both English and American folk music. He has spent his life playing in bands and writing songs. Using various tunings and a distinctive flat-picking guitar style, he crafts songs that explore the everyday while asking universal questions. 

31st May – support for Julian James & Beci Kate (Australian Country Blues) -Tom Thumb Theatre Margate TICKETS 

18th June – Support slot Hackney Folk Club – TICKETS 

5th July –  Sandwich Folk Festival  – TICKETS 

14th July –  support slot Dartford Folk Club – TICKETS 

9th August Broadstairs Folk Week – Magnet 

12th August Broadstairs Folk Festival Support Slot – Sailing Club 

13th August Broadstairs Folk Week Forno Lounge 

12th September South Downs Festival

Feature Image Photo Credit: Elliot Evans

Paper Verses’ new four-track EP ‘Promises’ will be released on Friday 29th May 2026.

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