Tess Parks‘ ethos? “I’m going to try and see everything as a goddamn miracle.”
There’s an ethereal, otherworldly quality to the Canadian soloist’s music that you just don’t hear every day. Pomegranate, Tess Parks’ third solo album, is nine tracks of pure, spiritual peace in sonic form.
Tess says:
“This album is a gift of love, our contribution to the world of something beautiful that we made amongst so much pain. It’s our message of empowerment to keep going even when life feels unliveable and unjust.”
An undeniable standout track is ‘Charlie Potato’. To call it a song would be a disservice; instead, it’s something closer to spoken word poetry, playing out like cinematic dialogue. Parks’s speaking voice is tuneful enough to carry the song, aided by bohemian flutes and acoustic guitar.
The variety offered within just one album is quite remarkable. ‘Koalas’ is echoing, melodic yet folksy, owing to the whistling of Molly Lewis, while ‘Lemon Poppy’ brings in a more classic, jazzy vibe. The bubbly closing track ‘Surround’ has subtle skiffle influences, and its cyclical rhythm feels like the home stretch of a road trip.
The infectious positivity of Parks’ lyrics makes the soulful tunes even more easy on the ear. Pomegranate is shoegaze for the modern age, fitting beautifully alongside Gen Z’s fondness for the likes of Slowdive and Portishead
It’s the perfect wind-down album to beat off the day’s wear and tear, whether it’s after a hard day’s work or in a late-night festival tent.
Pomegranate is available from 25 October 2024 via Fuzz Club/Hand Drawn Dracula. Tickets for her Brighton and London live shows are available here.
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