The Parachute Testers are a good example of a band that can’t be pigeonholed into any one musical genre and is exactly that: their new 10-track album ‘Halfway to Everywhere’ should be listened to without expectations. The combination of musical styles makes for an intriguing listen; a medley of alternative rock, folk, electronica and atmospheric soundscapes that evoke a wealth of emotion, contrast and surprise.
The album begins with the opening song, the title track, which has a strong rock vibe and a sure-footed approach to music that is energetic and adventurous. But the opening moments of the project are soon followed by discovery of much more. ‘A Sight For Sore Eyes’ is a particularly beautiful highlight, that merges the intimate qualities of folk with the spacious textures of electronic music. It tells the story emotionally, evoking the sense of longing for connection and reunion in the midst of a troubled city. The progression of the song is comforting in some sense, and easy to relate to the message.
Elsewhere, ‘Flüchtlinge’ takes a more gradual approach, slowly building into a captivating dance rhythm decorated with enchanting melodies. A very interesting shift of mood, between ethereal and dynamic. Another highlight is ‘Bluebirds’, which envelops the audience with warm and layered instrumentation and expressive female vocals. The track is tender in its delivery and evokes intimacy and spaciousness.
The album has a lot of merit in its exploration of diverse moods without losing the album’s musical essence. At times it’s a rhythm and more fuzzy guitars, at others it’s a more reflective space where listeners are invited.
The Parachute Testers’ eclectic and emotionally stirring album, Halfway to Everywhere, is a hear-what-I-say-and-mean-so-many-words-later album that’s sure to please those who enjoy musical discovery, thoughtful lyrics and songs, and production with a generous margin for artistic expression. A fascinating journey of sounds and feelings.
