To celebrate the news, the Berlin-based Australian five-piece have revealed new song ‘Lightenup’ alongside a striking new video, which follows the sultry, disco-infused single ‘Tieduprightnow’ alongside “beach party jam” (Stereogum) recent track ‘Bemyself’.
Parcels @ Manchester Academy 2
Monday 5th November, 7pm
Immaculately self-produced and written by the band in Berlin, the twelve tracks of ‘Parcels’ are introduced further today by new single ‘Lightenup’. It takes, says the group, from “disco and funk and classic grooving music. And it was an important song to us because the lyrics come from the voice of the band.
Usually the lyrics are personal. But these ones are really coming from the band. That’s the most representative of us.” The ‘Lightenup’ video, meanwhile, explores the seductive allure of power, and was inspired by iconography ranging from Helmut Newton to the Guy-Bourdin-shot sleeve to Bozz Scaggs’ ‘Middle Man’ album.
It’s typical of Parcels, though, that these 12 musical doses of sunshine aren’t coming out in high summer: think of them as aural sunbeds to get you through the winter. Still, the cold isn’t so much of a worry for them these days. “These days,” Swain says, “we’re all in houses that have great insulation and heating.” And when the weather’s cold, they’ll bring the sunshine with them.
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