More about: Parcels

October 2018 saw the ground-breaking release of Parcels’ self-titled debut album and this November the Australian funk fanatics return with their career-defining record. Experimenting with a concept that illustrates the tension between opposites, Parcels remain faithful to their artistic roots, whilst venturing down new avenues to produce sounds that exceed their listeners’ expectations.

Exploring their new 19 track album ‘Day/Night’, listeners are taken back in time to 70s disco, devoured by a soundscape of cinematic strings, and introduced to a plethora of new and fabulous flavours of funk. It’s an experience, to say the least…A warning to first time listeners of ‘Day/Night’: expect the unexpected. 

It goes without saying that any pivotal record in a musicians’ journey should open with a track that hypnotises a listener, captivating them with awe and bewildermen—‘LIGHT’ undoubtedly achieves this. A track that unleashes a surplus of new sounds leading into the latest chapter of Parcels’ journey, the band’s use of orchestration to ground each of their songs on the track-list creates a spell-binding fusion between electro-pop and cinematic instrumentation.

Hans Zimmer can move aside, as the instrumental song ‘Inthecity’ produces the same dramatic effect whilst functioning as the first interlude of the album, a structure that the five-piece has never experimented with before. As the record progresses the track ‘SHADOW’ pays homage to the opener of the album, creating a variation on the song with its original motif; if this song doesn’t give any listener goosebumps, then no song will! 

Parcels never fail to stay true to their sound, as they continue to produce funk floor-fillers that will get anyone up off their chair and ready to boogie. If you’re looking for a dance, then the songs ‘Famous’, ‘Somethinggreater’ and ‘Comingback’ will satisfy your hunger. Somewhat musical time-travellers, Parcels take their listeners back to the disco grooves of the '70s, with the song ‘Famous’ which executes iconic sweeping strings, dexterous rhythm guitar playing, and an almost sickeningly catchy chorus line: “Be famous/Your way to paradise”. However, as previously warned, an unexpected jazz saxophone solo changes this song’s direction dramatically, as listeners are taken from the dancefloor to a sultry jazz bar within mere seconds.

A record that focuses on the concept of opposites, in relation to day and night, Parcels greet listeners with a more melancholy, reflective and darker side to their sound that they have not revealed in previous material. Gone are the days of producing mainstream hits for the masses, the Berlin-based funk mavericks have entered a completely new dimension for their material to follow. Permeated by a lazy bass line and gorgeous Rhodes decoration, ‘theworstthing’ establishes the more solitary sonic direction that the band has chosen to experiment with. Although, perhaps the most successful example of this is the track ‘Outside’, which is led by a delicate Rhodes chordal progression, underneath glistening falsetto vocals.

Whilst some would say that the creation of a concept album is an extremely difficult and risky musical feat, Parcels have welcomed this strategy and taken it in their stride. Implementing their already successful sonic formula alongside a completely new array of sounds to choose from, ‘Day/Night’ celebrates individuality and creativity. Defying what listeners may have deemed impossible for the band’s sound, there is no band, and there will be no other band, quite like Parcels. 

Day/Night is out now.

More about: Parcels