Describing their sound as ‘jangly rock and roll’, County Down quartet Parapa Palace bring a little something extra to the usual ‘alternative’ or ‘rock and roll’ genres attributed to bands these days. With a very distinct sound and fully polished songs, this is one of those rare bands where you know exactly who they are just by hearing one song.

After initially forming in 2014 under the name LIVES, it’s clear to see that this band don’t hang around. For such a young band, the four-piece have already had their track Down By The Sea selected as an ATL Track of the Day and are releasing their debut EP, the self-titled Parapa Palace at Voodoo on the 22nd April, alongside Mere Moths and Echo Raptors.

Kicking things off, Ballad of the Brack hits hard. With a sound akin to The Strokes mixed with Interpol, lead singer Paul O’Hare’s distinct vocals are a real asset to a band that already seem to gel together perfectly. It’s different, catchy and sounds quite grown up.

After just one listen, The Boot seems familiar, like an old friend you haven’t seen in a while. With angsty lyrics, superb harmonies and thumping drums, this is a mysterious sounding song with lots of attitude.

As with all of the tracks, Down By The Sea has that signature Parapa Palace sound; the heavy, wailing guitars; the charismatic and addictive vocals; and the swagger of a band that simply love what they do.

To be perfectly honest I was surprised by how refined and accomplished this band already sound. With a well thought-out and distinctly individual style, catchy hooks and compelling vocals this is definitely a band I’d love to hear more from.

Parapa Palace is being released at Voodoo on 22nd April, follow the band on SoundCloud, Facebook and Twitter for more info.

Laura Caldwell

Author: Laura Caldwell

Hi, I'm Laura. I'm 30 years old and have a degree in Journalism with Photo-Imaging at the University of Ulster. I have an undying love for Belfast and all that it has to offer, an undying love for sleeping, Tegan and Sara, trashy tv shows, foreign snack-foods and being irresponsible with money. I also quite like origami, reading, jazz, hip-hop, dubstep, anything acoustic and Food Network TV. I've written for The Big List, Culture NI, Chatterbox and The Echo, as well as writing for BBC Across the Line.

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