When I first learnt Parcels descended from the sun-soaked shores of Byron Bay, I admittedly found it hard to believe.
The area seems to breed musicians that sound similar to their surroundings, all summery and slow-paced and lyrically focussed with minimalistic acoustic instruments, strong contenders for Sunday afternoon set-lists.
These boys are producing anything but the above characteristics, though in no way has breaking the stereotype negatively influenced the quality of sound.
Their strong presence was palpable the moment they entered the stage (12 January) at Woolly Mammoth in Brisbane. Young indeed, but oozing with the kind of confidence and surety that instantly defied their ‘emerging’ career.
They eased into the set with smooth crooner ‘Myenemy’, next shifting to ‘Hideout’ before rounding off the back-to-back selection of their debut EP’s tracks with ‘Allaround’.
Hearing each song in succession emphasised just how cleverly put together the EP was, so consistent and cohesive, similar sounding without being repetitive or uncreative. Almost like one idea explained in depth from five totally different perspectives.
Parcels picked up the pace with ‘Older’, a little more bouncy and upbeat; the jazzy piano riffs stole the show in ‘Anotherclock’, until the crowd was rewarded with the star shining star of their discography.
The band shows promise in several ways through their collaborating with legends Daft Punk in ‘Overnight’. You could hear their production influence loud and clear; I have no doubts the song will pave its way across thousands of dancefloors just as Daft Punk’s music continues to do.
Early release ‘Herefore’ rounded off the set, while the drawn-out, synth-soaked musings of ‘Gamesofluck’ made for a brilliant finale.
Interestingly, when Parcels first appeared in my newsfeed many months prior their Brisbane performance I had no idea who they were and little indication as to how they’d acquired such an impressive following.
While it was likely their working with Daft Punk that propelled them into the spotlight, they’ve certainly earned the right to continue to bask in its glow; only a mere EP and a handful of singles down and fans have fed on them like starved rats.
What’s more, I can understand why; not one tune has fallen flat.
All five songs in EP ‘Overnight’ have been composed with such unusual structure; any notion of verse-bridge-chorus-bridge has either been abandoned completely or skilfully adapted.
It almost makes me wonder whether Parcels could be labelled as the disco-pop Phoenix rising from the ashes, inspiring the next wave of young musicians and rewriting a form of music that was, for the most part, left in the '70s beneath spinning disco balls.
Though it’s one thing to inspire musicians, another for musicians to follow through; these boys are EXCEPTIONALLY talented, bitter onlookers could even say ‘arrogantly so’.
Watching each member handle his instrument with poise and ease while producing faultless harmonies and exuding plenty of natural charm was truly a spectacle, perhaps one of the most captivating electronic acts I’ve seen.
Parcels’ strong presence was palpable the moment they entered the stage, the kind of confidence and surety I falsely presumed only came with experience. Young or not, turns out that kind of confidence will stem from a whole lot of natural-born musical ability as well.
