Parsnip

Melbourne four-piece PARSNIP recently announced details of Behold; their new album, set to be released 26th April on Upset The Rhythm.

Today, they share “The Babble”, a brand new single inspired by the online word game phenomenon Wordle, and more broadly about wordplay and deception

“I wanted “The Babble” to sound like a “Dead End Street”” style Kinks song. However a few people have commented that it sounds like a Dandy Warhols riff which I don’t mind because I am a fan. I also asked Mikey to take it in the direction of the outro of “7 and 7 Is” by Love and he did a great job, the explosion preceding a little ditty played inside a tin can floating out to sea.” - Stella Rennex

“The Babbble” follows “Turn To Love” and “The Light”; the latter of which heralded by The Guardian as “quite outrageously catchy”, with Stereogum praising its “surfy retro rock ‘n’ roll.”

Behold is Parsnip’s second album and their first for Upset The Rhythm; just over half an hour of absurd, understated energy. Inspired by The Field Mice, The Raincoats, The Troggs and The Kinks - as well as friends and labelmates Terry and Primo -  it explores themes of loneliness, longing, the unknown and the mundane, and making a romantic spectacle of the everyday.

Behold follows two early 7-inches and their solid 2019 debut When the Tree Bears Fruit. 

About Parsnip and Behold

Green shoots have burst forth from Parsnip, let’s warmly welcome the Australian group’s second album Behold. Recorded across three sessions over the last three years, Behold is a testament to Parsnip at their most creative, catchy and collaborative. This album showcases the multi-talents of all four members, with spirited performances adding dazzle to the thirteen tracks. Paris Richens lets the bass playfully roam. Carolyn Hawkins tumbles feeling into the drum rumble. Stella Rennex’s guitar soars alongside her saxophone work, whilst a sprightly keyboard is tenderly attended by Rebecca Liston. Everyone sings amidst this lush canopy.

Patience, environmental cues and internal signals are integral for a garden to flourish. The same can be said of the conditions necessary for Behold to emerge. It is an album gleeful in reassessment, changed priorities and anticipation. The roots are deeply anchored to mystery, drinking up a hidden wonderment that lies within. “Monument” is a twist of melody and mania, “For what am I? But a channel of light” they attest amongst the whoops and hollers. “The Babble” sounds like Ray Davies playing Wordle for enlightenment. In fact most of these songs are pointing the way towards growth and understanding. “Turn to Love” is mesmeric and timeless, thoroughly serene and perfectly judged. Parsnip write songs as a form of communion with the intangible in our increasingly delusory world, but there is always a gentle reminder; don’t take anything too seriously! “My head is gonna split in two, fix it with flour and glue” they demand on ultimate bop “Papier-Mâché”, this juxtaposition of mature resolve with childlike astonishment packs a more powerful punch.

On Behold, Parsnip explore both the inner and outer realms of consciousness with quick wits and some seriously quality jangle and jolt. “The Light” is a whip smart workout, sprouting naturally from the propulsive nature of their debut album When the Tree Bears Fruit (2019). “Placeholder” is also devastatingly honest and channels The Field Mice as it buries itself like an arrow into your heart. The production is ambitious, with 12-string and acoustic guitars, percussion, piano, saxophone and harmonium all sitting comfortably in these outstanding songs. Drawing comparisons with Dolly Mixture, Sara Goes Pop and Look Blue Go Purple, Parsnip are an animated ensemble, full of life, emotional complexity and humour. The laughter in the dark is real, but then the sun comes up and we all must meet the day. Even the flowers turn their faces. Behold!

Upset The Rhythm proudly present Parsnip’s first album in five years, Behold. Available in all good record stores 26th April