Chris’ Crate - Parcels: Day/Night
It seems to be becoming an unintentional trend in this series that I cover Australian artists. After last week's feature on Julia Jacklin I am back in the music of the land down under to talk about a band that I feel doesn’t get enough recognition. This band goes by the name of Parcels and they may have released arguably the best album of 2021 that no one heard.
The album that I am referring to is their sophomore LP Day/Night. I guess I also have something for talking about second installments as well, it must be middle child syndrome. The album borrows heavy influences from 70s acts such as the BeeGees and ABBA but is not afraid to delve into more ambient sounds such as on the song “inthecity(interlude)” which leans into ambient noises with an orchestral backbone propping the two minute song up. Each song leaves the listener guessing as to what could possibly come next and all they are left with is a delight for the ears when the next song starts.
The 19 song album moves at an incredibly quick pace. Yes, 19 is a bit of an ask for the listener and it is an extremely ambitious album but I feel that it lives up to its weighty ask. There really isn’t a wasted second on this album. I find myself putting the album on when i’m cleaning on a Sunday and even though I have heard it what feels like a million times I find myself stopping to listen again. Also, what helps the album is the fact that it really is two albums in one as the first half serves as the “Day” side of the album and the second half serves as the “Night” side of the album. This is also reflected on the album cover with a man as both a boy and an adult.
Parcels skillfully balance the wonder of young relationships and living on your own in the city while worrying about seemingly petty things. This first set of tracks is filled with extremely bright instrumentation and bass lines. While the second side deals with darker themes and a more somber tone over all. Every minute of this album is deliberate and impressively executed for a band that is just getting started. They just wrapped up their tour to support the album in 2022 and I can only hope that they are back in the studio to blow minds once again. Seriously, if you enjoy great dance music/70s dance you owe it to yourself to check this album out, it truly is infectious.
Favorite Songs on The Album:
“Free”
“Comingback”
“Theworstthing”
“NowIcaresomemore”
“Somethinggreater”
“Famous”
“Icallthishome”
“Inside”
Music Video for “Somethinggreater”: