Whether you want to admit it or not, some of your favorite bands don’t have the best live performances. Despite their tactical studio approach or honed musicianship, bringing those songs to life in front of a live audience is a whole different task. Some bands have legendary discographies and some have iconic live shows, a rare finding is a band that can do both. Not only does the eclectic five-piece Parcels have both, they’re reinventing themselves for their live shows. Their indie prowess is greeted with their love for dance clubs on Live Vol. 2, the band’s second live album and most recent release arriving this Friday (Oct. 20). The eccentric live performance was captured at a secret club gig Parcels put on last year at Le Palace in Paris. The European influence can be felt immediately as the band reimagines its acclaimed discography into a danceable, technicolored audio experience.
The ambiance of 2021’s Day/Night is nowhere to be found on Live Vol. 2 as Parcels’ influences are put on full display. The Australian band found solace on the dance floors of clubs throughout Europe and the pounding, infectious dance music is mixed with their sinfully sweet vocals for a live album that puts the band in a new light. The deep grooves and undeniable tempos of this LP breathe new life into beloved favorites along with Parcels debuting never-heard-before music. The album plays like a proper DJ set mixed with the band’s roots in indie music for an album brimming with experimentation of all colors. Live Vol. 2 is Parcels as you’ve never heard them before, capturing the dense textures of an intimate live show that allowed the band to unflinchingly head in a brand new sonic direction.
Live Vol. 2 is a whimsical look into Parcel’s influences as they filter those influences through their own creative lens. The way they were able to blend their signature sound and the music they play around them speaks volumes to not only their overall creativity but their songwriting. Their vocals feel right at home over these glistening grooves like on the album opener “Shadow”. The track kicks off with gut-punching drum patterns that dissolve into soaring harmonies, creating an unforgettable sonic juxtaposition. This formula does wonders for Parcel’s sound, allowing them to build conflict that gets resolved with grandiose beauty in the form of deep house music.
Live Vol. 2 features buttery transitions that transport you to the small club in Paris. Parcels took a major risk and it paid off tremendously. Allowing their influences to become the forefront of their sound gave the original songs new meaning and brought some of their slower tracks to life. The gospel-esque keys of “Iknowhowyoufeel” elevate the heaven-sent melodies while a primarily instrumental track like “Entrance” shows a deeper understanding of a genre the band is just beginning to explore. Live Vol. 2 is an undeniably fun listening experience that transports you to the freedom of a dance club while introducing us to a new side of Parcels’ creativity.
