They may have a name that tips its hat to all things Mod — but there's
nothing at all one-genre dimensional about Parka.
Parka
Attack of the Hundred Yard Hard Man
(Jeepster)
The Glaswegian five-piece have squeezed in just about every variety of music
around on their dolly mixtures debut, Attack Of The Hundred Yard Hard Man.
And because of this, there's never a dull moment.
Indeed no two songs are the same in a wonderful little assortment of
material that scrutinises pop, lad rock, disco, electro and new wave.
All of this is underpinned by a youthful dynamism and musical/lyrical
invention.
Consequently, there is no danger of Parka fitting neatly into any musical
straitjacket.
If pushed, one would have to say they have more in common with Mark E Smith
and his fantastic Fall.
Even the names of songs have a resemblance to those of the Grumpy One —
You're No Geezer (But You Try) and I Don't Wanna Fight You Tonight.
And singer Matty Thompson has a Smith-like-speak/scream set of vocal cords.
Among the many gems are Mr Optimistic, Hoxton Hair and of, course the
ridiculously catchy single, Disco Dancer.
Parka is a band you can easily warm to. There is no pretension £ criminally
long guitar solos or fancy instrumentation apart from the sax which is used
to wondrous effect.
At times the guitars are a little frantic £ but with so much variety in the
tunes, it is easy to forgive. The band has been together for just a few
years — but on this showing are already acting like seasoned pros.
With such confidence, desire and the right dollop of enthusiasm, they could
have a bright future in a business absurdly saturated with young indie
bands. Certainly, with a superb album like this already in the bag, they
have every chance.
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