Download: The Parson Red Heads “Raymond”
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(from Orangufang out now on JAXART and available from L.A. RECORD)
The Parson Red Heads’ opening song “Raymond” shows off the band’s talent for soaring harmonies and rousing musical interludes—I must admit that my initial thoughts on the song was that it sounded pretty average, but after a couple of listens the melodies stick and you’re stomping your foot to the bass drum and playing air drums with drummer Brette Marie Way. “You Can Leave It” sounds like your typical California neo-folk-rock song—something you play in your car to impress your friend from the Midwest because it reminds them you can drive around during the winter with your air conditioner on. The clear winner for me was “I Knew a Young Girl.” Stripped of all the fuzz and fog that are associated with trying to sound vintage, the song stands alone—haunting but at the same time beautiful. Singer-songwriter Evan Way guides you with his melody until the gentle backing vocals of Brette Marie carry you off. Before you’re wisped away into the Pacific, the song ends and you’re alone—or with that friend from the Midwest.
—Gabriel Aguirre
1 instinctsss // May 12, 2009 at 11:53 am
i agree with your initial thoughts:
pretty average…
but if its a hipster band i guess that doesnt matter,
does it?
2 pegasus // Jun 29, 2009 at 9:52 am
I just picked this up and I think it’s pretty solid. I’m digging the subtle harmonies and guitar work. Overall, I think the red heads are almost there musically. It seems like there is an element missing and once they find whatever that may be, there music will be epic (or at least better than the average LA band).
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