Parka’s Ego Trip EP is a worthy investment indeed. From the opening second of the anthemic ‘Friend’, you know this band is going to knock your socks off. The racing melody is perfect for their live set-up; the band injects inordinate amounts of energy into their performances. It’s refreshing that on record the tracks are just as slick – seamless even – as they are live. Consistency in quality suggests that this band is truly talented, not having to rely on auto-tune or cheap electronic gimmicks to make their music resonate. Casey Lowry is able to invigorate the audience in a manner that so many young frontmen don’t have the confidence to do. If you’re not chanting “my friend, oh I shouldn’t have to call you that” by the end of the 3:16 minute entity, then there’s something wrong with you indeed.
If we’re talking about catchy then we may as well talk about ‘Thrills and Pills’; the melody is upbeat, made for bopping along politely if you’re somewhat conservative, or full on moshing if you’re slightly keener. Thomas Barker’s drumming is the backbone of this track whilst Lowry narrates. Lowry’s drawling, lazy vocal style as he asks “why am I feeling so shy?” is akin to Julian Casablancas’ delivery on First Impressions on Earth. Similarly, the guitar sequences have that initially jarring impact that the Strokes manage so well.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvMitodnzYE?rel=0&w=740&h=422]
Whilst the first two tracks are stellar, an incontestable standout from the EP is ‘Woahh’. If you’re not very good at learning lyrics then this one is for you; although simplistic in concept, the upbeat tempo and assured lyrical make for a track that is best described as a bundle of fun. Grab a hairbrush and abandon your cares because as you shout “woah-oh-oh-oh” to your bedroom mirror, you’ll notice a smile creep across your face. Moments of poignancy “the personality you were left with is now gone”, fused with the heady guitar riffs and catchy chorus make this track quintessentially addictive. This is pure feel-good indie pop and best of all; you can get your hands on it because it’s released as a single, out on iTunes today.
If you like what you hear, head down to Plug, Sheffield on Friday 16th January for a steal of just £5!
Words by Beth Kirkbride