April 19th, 2011 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Holiday Parade
Album: False Alarms
Genre: Pop rock
Label: unsigned
Holiday Parade hail from Georgia, their facebook tells me, and perhaps unsurprisingly there is a clear country vibe informing a lot of these songs. Don’t let that make you cringe however – it’s a decorative influence, allowing for something a lot more wistful and earnest, though still bright enough to have popular appeal. And indeed, this is a charming little EP – nothing too new or dramatic but an entertaining listen which does its best to make you love it.
The title track is first, and it’s sunny, bright, and cheery. From the off, the mood is one of laid back appreciation – of life, of love, of enjoyment. There are well-pitched, concerted vocals and it’s set to an upbeat, steady tempo which holds attention and brings a spring to your step. One’s first impression is of simplistic, undemanding fare, which in this case is a good thing, and it’s a solid opener.
“Off Your Shoulders” opens with a muffled sound, deliberating implying the flashback referenced in the lyrics. It’s temperate at first, moving from plaintive to wistful as the chorus strikes up. Andy Albert sings ably and full of heart in a strangely loveable declaration of intent. There are pitchy moments, but for the obvious conviction it’s all good. This, as with the opener, is a fairly straightforward exercise in guitar-spruced pop, following a set structure of build up, break down, and encore. But it’s earnest, and endearing. “Virginia” has a bit more sass to it, feeling a tad ambitious at first. Lyrically, it’s shamelessly pleading – the guitar twang capturing all the youthful spirit evident in the chorus. There’s a looming solo and the evanescent group vocals match the stirring mood. It’s very obviously designed for big singalongs live, but this makes it accessible, with all the appeal and oomph of a guilty chart hit.
“Lying” takes a touch of the archetypal soul-searching but livens it up a tad. The band take an animated approach and manage to imbue a format that’s been done a million times with some obvious vitality. Naturally, it’s tinged with the necessary melancholy for a silly girl with her eyes fixed elsewhere, but it still crackles with life and makes for a catchy and likeable listen. As the title may imply, the sad times set in with “Gone.” Weaving a decorative and tranquil sound from the off, a gentle guitar and barely there bass create a touching and tender tone. The vocals gradually build momentum, fitting the lyrics, and there’s a well-judged reflective bridge after the second chorus which thumps to a transient bass line. It’s a loose take on the heartaching norm, and spurs things along quite naturally.
“Home” lets its guitar take a more tangible role, alongside a strong, consistent bass line. Together they shape a sunny and robust declaration of love that manages to be both affectionate and lovely. “She Came Around” then steps back a notch with a jaded vibe, the percussion lethargic and the guitar laid back. By contrast, it takes a slightly more piercing tone in the build up to the chorus, but otherwise it’s just as feelgood as everything else. The almost unavoidable down-at-home set up lends the album a comforting familiarity and makes it easy to like, even if it’s not saying anything amazing. Fading out on a mildly triumphant note with the surging twang of a country guitar, I think the best word to describe the album is (as we say in Ireland) grand. It’s just…grand.
A surprise package in many senses, in that it takes something incredibly simple and familiar and manages to come off unscathed, False Alarms is a nice and undemanding listen. It’s well realised and more interesting to listen to than you’d expect, with some neatly constructed lyrics for tired scenarios. Further, if you just want wallflower music, it won’t intrude, and you shouldn’t regret giving it a spin. Charmingly wholesome.
Score: 7/10
Review written by: Grace Duffy
- 2015’s Most Underrated Films - December 29, 2015
- Passing The Torch: The End Of An Era For UTG - December 1, 2015
- UTG PREMIERE: Before The Streetlights – “Private Browser” - November 26, 2015
Posted in 
Tags: 
why unsigned?