Parcels: navigating Growth, Distance, and the Evolution of a Sound
Parcels, the internationally acclaimed band known for their infectious disco grooves, are back with a new album, Loved. this release marks a notable chapter for the group, born from a period of individual exploration and a decade-long journey of shared musical passion. Let’s delve into how they’ve maintained their signature sound while embracing evolution, distance, and the complexities of love itself.
A Period of Individual Growth
Following a demanding touring schedule, Parcels took a deliberate pause. Though, this wasn’t a disbandment, but rather a period of individual creative incubation. During this time, band members continued writing and refining their musical ideas, free from the constraints of deadlines and the road. This allowed for personal growth and exploration, ultimately enriching their collective sound.
Loved: A Global Collaboration
The result of this period is Loved, an album recorded across four continents. Studios in Byron Bay, Berlin, Sydney, and Mexico served as creative hubs, reflecting the band’s increasingly global perspective. This geographically diverse recording process undoubtedly contributed to the album’s rich and layered sonic texture.
Expanding Sonic Horizons
Loved builds upon Parcels’ established disco foundation, but it’s far from a retread. The band consciously drew inspiration from a diverse range of artists and genres. According to band member Noah Crommelin, influences include Katy Perry, john Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band, and the post-rock innovators Tortoise.
This willingness to embrace varied influences is key to their continued success. Each member brings a unique musical palate to the table, fostering a dynamic where individual tastes converge to create something genuinely new. Such as, guitarist Jules Crommelin notes that while bandmate Patrick Hyland is immersed in dance and techno, he himself simply appreciates it.
Though, Crommelin emphasizes the importance of individual exploration: ”I’ve always felt that the more we can all go our own directions, the better the band will be.” He believes avoiding creative echo chambers is crucial for maintaining originality.
The Duality of Love: A Central Theme
The album’s title, Loved, is intentionally multifaceted. It speaks to both past and present experiences of love, acknowledging its joys and its sorrows. The songs explore the full spectrum of love’s emotional landscape, and this duality is woven into the very fabric of the music.
Crommelin describes their music as possessing a “light spirit,” yet often delving into “something deeper and sometimes darker” lyrically. Ultimately, their goal is to create music that evokes a powerful emotional response – “to cry on the dancefloor.”
Navigating Distance and Maintaining Identity
As Parcels members approach their 30s, life changes are inevitable. Two members have returned to Australia,while the others remain based in Berlin. Despite the geographical distance, the core of the band remains strong.
The beauty of a long-term musical partnership lies in the space it allows for both personal and artistic evolution. Yet, despite these changes, Crommelin affirms that when they come together to play, “we sound like Parcels.” This enduring sonic identity is a testament to their shared history and unwavering commitment to their craft.
You can catch Parcels performing across Europe in September and October, followed by dates in Australia in November and December. See tour dates here.
Loved is available September 12th.
