Tom Gallo is the host of Look at My Records on Radio Free Brooklyn
Radio Free Brooklyn and Bushwick Daily are proud to announce a new weekly local-music column that will focus on artists that call Bushwick home. Each week, a Radio Free Brooklyn personality will pen a record or performance review of a different Bushwick based artist, with a curated selection of the best upcoming local gigs in the neighborhood for the following weekend.
Fans of Parrot Dream have been patient. Shortly after principal members Gonzalo Guerero and Christina ‘Kiki” Appel relocated to Brooklyn from Santiago, Chile, the band released an absolutely enchanting cassette single entitled “Jungle.” Since then, the band remained curiously silent on the release front, leaving their fans longing for more. Well, the wait is finally over, as Parrot Dream’s debut LP, “Light Goes,” drops this week on Good Eye Records.
Parrot Dream spent almost two years writing and recording these songs, and after listening to “Light Goes,” it’s clear the time spent paid dividends. Particularly, the band’s meticulous song crafting and attention to detail shines throughout the album’s ten songs. The group has truly mastered the union of mesmerizing, reverberated riffs with hypnotic, shadowy synths to create rich sounding songs that are almost ethereal in nature. Though a few of the tracks are lyrically sparse, the strength of Appel’s melodic power also cannot be understated, as it serves as the driving force in creating glistening soundscapes that are omnipresent throughout “Light Goes.”
The large majority of dream pop acts of this decade owe a debt to Beach House, and Parrot Dream is no exception. However, the layered and seamless interweaving of complex, shoegaze inspired sonic elements shows that Guerrero and Appel continue to progress in developing a strong songwriting chemistry that few can replicate. In turn, “Light Goes” solidifies the band as the cream that rises to the top in an increasingly crowded genre.
Parrot Dream has already released three tracks from the album: “Light Goes (In Mines),” “Paradise & Prey,” and “Cloudchaser.” You can get an exclusive sneak peak of an additional song, “Julio,” by clicking here.
You can purchase “Light Goes” on vinyl via Good Eye Records. You can also purchase a copy directly from the band this Friday at Union Pool, where Parrot Dream will be celebrating the release of “Light Goes” with Dance and The Natural. Doors are at 7pm.
Only a two week of August remain. Get to one of the gigs and enjoy the end of the summer the right way:
Veda Rays, Kew, Gustaf, Your Dream Coat at The Glove
Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 8p.m.
If you’re interested in an eclectic bill that features bands playing everything from dream pop to post-punk, then The Glove has your Wednesday night plans covered. Veda Rays continue to bring their own brand of goth-y, synth heavy, Cure inspired songs to the fold, as evidenced by the latest album, “For The Rest To Rest.” Also appearing is Gustaf, the latest project of Brooklyn scene veteran Lydia Gammill. The group describes itself as playing music “that indulges the crude comedy of our subconscious.” Kew just released a high-energy four song EP entitled “Celebrate Away,” which contains four fuzzed out songs with anthemic melodies that will immediately grab your ear. Rounding out this bill is Your Dreamcoat, who is just that – dreamy! Plus, they boast a Morrisey sounding vocalist to boot.
Pop Gun 10 Year Party: Charly Bliss, Bodega, Thick, and more at Elsewhere
Thursday August 23rd, 2018 8p.m.
The Pop Gun 10 Year Celebration takes place this Thursday night at Elsewhere, and the lineup features some of Brooklyn’s most talked about bands. Charly Bliss, who’s 2017 album “Guppy” earned almost universal critical acclaim for its blend of pop hooks with catchy riffs, headlines a bill that also features Bodega, who just wrapped up several dates on the west coast in support of their excellent debut LP, “Endless Scroll.” Also appearing are Thick, a group that’s locally renowned for their intense live show. So, whatever you do, make sure you’re there in time to catch their set.
Cape Francis, Birch at Elsewhere (Zone One)
Friday August 24th, 2018 6:30p.m.
Friday night’s headliner at Zone One is Cape Francis, the solo project of Kevin Olken Henthorn, former singer/songwriter of Stone Cold Fox. Henthorn released his debut album “Falling Into Pieces” last year, which is notably a significantly different sounding record when compared with his previous projects. Also performing is Birch, the indie pop project of songwriter Michelle Birsky and Mat Towles. The duo just released a haunting new single, “femme.two.” last week, so expect to hear it live at Elsewhere on Friday.
Deerhoof, Palberta at Elsewhere
Saturday August 25th, 2018 6p.m.
Deerhoof returns to Elsewhere with plans to replicate their incredible hour long Northside Festival performance back in June. The avant-garde psych rockers rarely disappoint with their sweat inducing, raucous live performances. They’ll be joined by Palberta, who’s latest release “Roach Goin Down,” packs 22 frantic, Minutemen styled songs into one glorious LP. Although the gig has a set end time of 10pm, you’ll likely be exhausted by all dancing that these two bands will induce.
