The Parlophonics - Dying of the Light (2023) Hi-Res

The Parlophonics is an alternative rock band making brilliant Power pop/rock despite having never been in the same room with each other. If anything, distance has only added grace and intention to the band’s sound, which is based in the classic British pop and rock of the 60s and 70s. Words like ‘lush’ and ‘exquisite’ come to mind as you play through The Parlophonics dynamic second long-player Dying of the Light. This is sophisticated poppy rock of the highest order. Opening cut “Fill My Sky” sets the stage, mixing strings and sitars to create an eastern-influenced tapestry of sounds, punctuated by a few David Gilmour-worthy lead guitar solos. The ambience reminds me of Lord Huron’s Long Lost sound. That vibe is also definitely present on “Heaven Can Wait,” this album’s obvious should-be hit single. But this record defies easy categorization. Tracks like “Reading Kerouac” change things up, exuding a Style Council peppiness. So too “These Days” is light sunny pop. Contrast that to the sombre folk pop feel on “Believe in Something,” “The Dying of the Light” and “Paper Smile.” Then again I can’t help but hear a strong 1970s pop tradition here too, falling somewhere between Fleetwood Mac and Abba on cuts like “Underneath the Blue Sky” and “Song for a Lost Friend,” the former riding a seductive, hooky lead guitar lick and glossy vocals while the latter hits the chord changes hard, accompanied by a wall of vocals sing-along style. More rocky pop gets a look in on the album closer “Staring at the Sun,” the slight Oasis vibe unmistakeable. Despite all this variety Dying of the Light has a coherent sonic stamp to it. It’s a record-of-the-year list no brainer.