| Straight from across the pond in the South United Kingdom, The Electric Soft Parade has
stretched their status and gained some attention in the US. Their indie based rock has gone through
some name changes and some evenly spaced out musical efforts over the past 6 years which leads us
to their new album, "No Need To Be Downhearted." And even though their name was originally "The
Soft Parade" and they added the "Electric" later, it's safe to say that this album will add some
sort of exciting electricity to our listening habits.
A formal scenario with evident production value takes over from the start. A streamline of light, effects-ridden indie rock zooms along with some of the most paper thin electric guitars that I have ever heard. Keyboard synth plays an integral part in the foundation of the songs just as much as
the ever important vocals, guitars, and drums. The vocals are soft and even hold a melancholy tone
for each word expressed. The twinkling atmospheres and soaring starry night episodes that the
album creates are a nice distraction to keep you daydreaming in your seat.
The British flare and style are also apparent and they show off creative bursts of thought and
energy. Included are some "tea and crumpet" songs that pitter patter along with light acoustics and
uniform vocals. Highly metaphoric lyrics appear as thick illusions of story telling and fantasy. But at
each turn the recordings all appear so genuine and unrehearsed, like they were able to get every
part of the song down in one sitting, which also goes along with the wonderful production that
went into the album. It seems that all you need is a snare, a hi-hat, and some toned guitars with absolutely no
bass, keyboards, and you got this band down.
"If That's The Case, Then I Don't Know" was the first on the record to just get me pumped with
repetitive buzzing beats and effects guitars, that wasn't annoying in nature. The riffs and
collection were just so catchy as they accompanied the unvarying yet effective vocals. The subtle
and honest truth of "Secrets" is must like an unplugged acoustic session with all of the mistakes
and nuances that come along with a live-esc performance. The general lightheartedness of
"Appropriate Ending" acts as a pretty great way to supply the back of "No Need To Be Downhearted."
It jams on with fluffy coordination of riffs and symmetry that is hard to match. Harmony is what
we look for and we find it here on almost every track.
The kind and catchy tunes that these British indie-smiths craft into existence run along the same
line
as some of their peers over in the UK so this is familiar without being boring. The revealing
brushes of keyboards and guitars keep their sound refreshing as well. The vocals can become rather
repetitive but the lyrics are solid and intelligent. The soft melodies that follow along the
day dreamy songs is also seductive. Clear and crisp production, especially with indie music, leads
to an impressive product. The name of the band seems to fit them perfectly as, they are soft with
electric personalities musically and their sound seems to float along unfettered like an ambient
parade that goes on forever.
~ Pernell
April 22 2007 |
