SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE PARLOPHONICS – DYING OF THE LIGHT

The Parlophonics
Dying Of The Light
Kool Kat Records

Meet The Parlophonics, an interesting pop-rock band with a rather unique history. The Parlophonics are Robert Horvath (Guitars, Bass), Fernando Perdomo (Guitars, Drums), and Hugh Macdonald (Lead vocals). Interestingly, they have never been together in the same studio. Horvath is based in Dresden, Germany, while Macdonald is based in London and Perdomo is in North Hollywood. They came together during the pandemic because Horvath had been working on a number of songs and he wanted to record and release them. The result was their debut album, 2021’s A Day In The Life. During 2022, they came together to record a second album, this time with help from Marcella Detroit, Denny Seiwelll, the original drummer for Wings (drums), Rudy Fantin (hammond organ) and Max Tovstyi (bass).

Dying Of The Light is a brilliant album. It is full of incredible power pop, rock and alternative music. The band is clearly influenced by The Beatles (The Beatles recorded for the Parlophone record label, one can see the origin of their name), but also influenced by Paul Weller, Oasis, Badfinger and others. That is not to say The Parlophonics sound like their influences, because they do have their own distinct style and sound, but the influences can be felt. In fact they cover a Badfinger song on the album, “Song For A Lost Friend”. This choice is an odd one as it is a more obscure Badfinger song (from their incredible 1974 Badfinger album). In The Parlophonics hands, the song is even more melancholic and heartwrenching.

Their own songs, however, are absolutely stunning. The addition of Detroit is pure genius. Her angelic vocals are used so beautifully and add so much soul and depth to the already brilliant songs. Songs like “Underneath The Blue Sky” sound familiar and yet very new. The band takes their time in rolling out the song, and it grows as it goes along. The song leaves you breathless by the end. Or “Heaven Can Wait” (which features Seiwell on drums) is an outstanding piece of bluesy rock. Again, the band just rolled the song out and it is hard to believe that it was not recorded live off the floor. It is a wonderful song. But these two songs are just two examples of an album full of melodic and well produced and arranged songs.

Lyrically, this album is full of gems. The title track, “Dying Of The Light”, for instance is a beautiful and emotional love song full of imagery and full of hope and determination. With the piano based tune, the sparse production and the wonderful vocals, it is pure magic. And there is a lot of magic on this album. This is an album of love, peace and mortality. “Reading Keruac”, for example has the line “I’m writing you these songs because I know we are all going to die.” And it is set to such an upbeat melody, perfect juxtaposition but also sends the signal about enjoying our time while we have it.

Dying Of The Light is one of the biggest surprises and treats of the year. The Parlophonics have produced an incredible album. Even the packaging, which includes a drawing by Beatle friend Klaus Voorman (he designed Revolver and the Anthology sets) on the front sleeve. The album is infectious. When it is over, one might just start the whole thing again. Dying Of The Light is absolutely wonderful and the band and their friends have a great deal to be proud of.

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