Big Sharp Drifter (ep) - Parker

Alex Yamakazi - Wednesday, 21 May, 2003 - Print Version

Parker are an incredibly cool band. It's terribly, deep dish cool that they choose to play rootsy, alternative blues and choose to take it to cynical inner-city hipster audiences. Coolest of all they are such passionate musicians they are able to make it work. The fact that "cool" can take such an infinite number of forms never ceases to amaze.

Parker's Big Sharp Drifter ep displays a formidable depth of musical talent. File them next to Led Zeppelin, Black Crows and even Guns and Roses. (ok that Gunners comparison wasn't a cool reference but they do kind of sound like them at times, somehow they make it cool.)

More than anything the album is evocative of red dust, of smokey whiskey, unforgiving sunshine. It's a Po' white trash, meshback brand of sexy grind. John Cass has an amazing voice which displays a sensational range and conveys a real depth of feeling. Even better he is down to earth, approachable and seems delighted that people enjoy his music. Oh and he can play guitar. Did I mention he can REALLY play guitar? Bass player Jacq keeps it simple, his talent reveals itself through his consummate attention to detail. Curtis makes them sound big... really big... especially in a live setting.

The highlight of the ep for me was The Drifter. I can't stop listening to this song. Like the rest of the ep it's dirty and dusty. What sets The Drifter apart is it's use of contrast. Parts of this song shed sweet rain on the dusty desert Parker conjure. Transcendental!

Alex Yamakazi

Regarding the review...

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