Parsnip

Aussies Parsnip instantly jumped onto the favorites list around here with early singles and a debut LP for Trouble In Mind. They double down on their past pop perpetuation with a new LP, Behold, expanding their jangle-pop pedigree and adding in an eagerness to explore the ‘60s side of the genre. The band’s debut had a certain wobbliness to it, an off-kilter charm that focused on their love of ‘90s post-punk janglers like OH-OK, Confetti, and Tiger Trap. That whimsy remains, but as they dip into the blissful bindings of Behold, the band wades through some vocal harmonies that clip Wendy & Bonnie, The Free Design, and the Yellow Balloon. A turn towards sunshine pop wasn’t quite what I’d expected from the band, especially noting that on their last they’d let their voices bump against one another with a lovely roughness, much like contemporaries Terry. Behold sees them smooth the seams, and iron the wrinkles out, and the album soars as a result.

There’s still a bit of a seasick sway beneath the bucolic vocals, but now the juxtaposition feeds the tension. The organ swells, popcorn percussion, and bright, summery jangles brush against the layered harmonies. The band adds 12-string strums, stacking on Kinks and Byrds touches while they reach for grey-skied Mamas and Papas heartache. The melancholy meshes with the merriment and the album tugs and twists pop’s past into a bright future. Like Veronica Falls before them, they capture the spirit of the ‘60s and turn it into something timeless and true. It’s already been a packed year for indie pop, and it’s only April, but Parsnip comes barreling out of the first half of the year with one of the best pop records of 2024.

Support the artist. Buy it HERE (AUS) or HERE (UK).