The Parlophonics - Dying Of The Light

 

I've been a long time fan of Fernando Perdomo, particularly from the Dreaming In Stereo days onwards. I love his adventures from Pop Rock to Prog and all between. But also his work with Cait Brennan and the Ex Norwegian connection.

He is an outstanding performer, producer, songwriter and side man. Most of all, he is an outstanding guitarist, the man can play anything you choose. He doesn't spend as much time in Pop Rock these days, so the two albums by The Parlophonics should be treasured.

This second album again reunites Perdomo with Robert Horvath and Hugh McDonald and this 70s Pop Rock and beyond of the highest quality. Robert Horvath's song writing captures the era perfectly as do his co-writes setting a gentle scene where melody is key.

Marcella Detroit co-writes Underneath The Blue Sky and adds her distinctive vocals to a hauntingly beautiful, weeping song. It is obvious that the stand out song is the wonderful Reading Kerouac, a jaunty Summer Song and a cowrite from Horvath and McDonald.

The song adds some outstanding 60's style Brass and again Detroit adds Backing Vocals, it is a crackerjack of a song. Heaven Can Wait features Wings, Denny Seiwell who adds a splendid shuffle to proceedings on a song that borders Americana and Country Rock whilst being very Laurel Canyon. It is a fantastic vocal from Hugh McDonald.

My personal favourite here is The Dying Of The Light, the title track. It sort of sums up what the trio are all about. A song that lands somewhere between Big Star and Badfinger with a wonderful vocal on the chorus. Many try this type of song, few pull it off as spectacularly as this.

Fill My Sky is a Perdomo song which captures brilliantly what the man is about. Great Pop Rock, but with a big Modern Prog, It is an incredibly well arranged affair and as you would expect there is an ace Perdomo solo. Finishing things off is a faithful, tasteful cover of Badfinger's Song For A Lost Friend.

There are three bonus tracks on the CD. A Drum Version of Paper Smile and the Single version of These Days, both are songs from the first album. There is also the first single from The Parlophonics Staring At The Sun which features Rae Jarvis.

You can buy the CD in the States here and in the UK and Europe here. You can also listen to the first 7 tracks here. The Parlophonics website is here.

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