24 May 2022
Artist: TESS PARKS
Who: Toronto born, London based singer-songwriter
Active: Since 2013. One solo album and two collaborative
ones with Anton Newcombe, the mastermind of psych squad
The Brian Jonestown Massacre.
New album: ‘AND THOSE WHO WERE SEEN DANCING’
The title refers to a quote by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche:
“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by
those who could not hear the music.”
Released: 22 April 2022 via Fuzz Records
Parks: “I really felt discouraged to complete this album. I stopped listening to music for honestly about a year altogether and turned to painting instead. I really had to convince myself again that it’s important to just share whatever good we can – having faith in ourselves to know that our lights can shine on and on through other people and for other people. The thought of anyone not sharing their art or being shy of anything they create seems like a real tragedy to me. Even if it’s not perfect, you’re capturing a moment.”
(photo by Brent Goldsmith)
Uncut Magazine says: “An album that feels charged by forward momentum
while also embracing the comforting pulse of a locked groove.” Score: 4/5.
Turn Up The Volume: Parks embedds her mood-swings in sedate-moving, symphonious musings (Suzy & Sally’s eternal Return / We Are The Music Makers / Brexit At Tiffany’s / I See Angels) with Parks‘ voice echoing like the twin one of Kristin Hersh (Throwing Muses), in both gloomy and sultry psych grooves (WOW / Happy Birthday Forever / Brexit At Tiffany’s) and in one rollicking piano-boogie ripper.
Even after a couple of spins and checking out the songs’ lyrics Parks‘ world still is an enigmatic one (for me) but also teasing and defiant. I just love her mysterious side, far more challenging than an open book. In the end, on Saint Michel, it feels like she’s grateful she can share new music after 9 years. So are we.
Et madames, et monsieurs
Merci, merci, merci beaucoup
Et madames, et monsieurs
Merci, merci, merci beaucoup
Singles/clips: Do You Pray / Brexit At Tiffany’s / Happy Birthday Forever
– DO YOU PRAY –
– BREXIT AT TIFFANY’S –
(Great song title)
– HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOREVER –
Stream/buy the full album here…
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TESS PARKS: Facebok – Instagram –
