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2012, for some, may spell the end of the world as we know it but thanks to Harlow’s number one export – at least you’ll be greeting the apocalypse with one of the finest and unique indie records for a while drumming through your ears.
In a world where every other music critic is claiming guitar music is dying a slow death, Morning Parade’s debut self-titled album is a fine example of the depth and strength of British music.
Opening with the harmonic ‘Blue Winter’, the Essex five-piece flex their musical muscles – Steve Sparrows identifiable vocals pulsate through a track akin to early Killers material before launching into high tempo track ‘Headlights’.
What distinguishes Morning Parade from every other guitar-laden band in the country is their ability to chuck in a dance-ridden chorus in the middle of a relatively standard indie record. This is perfectly shown in ‘Us & Ourselves’ where Sparrows’ vocals are suddenly swallowed by a plethora of atmospheric synth which wouldn’t seem too out of place in an Ibiza nightclub.
Of course this is by no means a perfect record – there are a few duds along the way and this is always going to be the case when bringing out a 12 track debut. But for every ‘Close To Your Heart’ where you find yourself thinking you have heard this before, there’s an ‘Under the Stars’; a triumphant mix of strong guitar riffs and rampant dance music.
The highlight of the record is the addition of an acoustic version of their emotional track, ‘Speechless’ which strips Morning Parade down and shows their musical talent in a new light. Without the blaring synth beats and lo-fi guitar riffs, these boys are extremely talented musicians and this is shown throughout the record.
This is a brilliant debut piece from a band that you feel are just getting started. If we make it through 2012 in one piece, Morning Parade’s debut album will be up there as one of the records of the year – it’s time to believe the hype.
