Parsnip

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

Today, they share first single “The Light”; a playful, poetic, propulsive DIY punk song with rhythm guitars reminiscent of The B52s and a Music Machine fuzz solo [listen HERE].

“The Light” is about having the wool removed from your eyes and seeing everything as it really is, blindingly clear, for the first time. I was thinking a lot about the transformative power of anger in grief and healing, and I guess I also just wanted to express how I was feeling. Rage always produces the catchiest songs.

“I was inspired by the Rumi quote “The wound is where the light enters you”, as well as Leonard Cohen’s ‘Paper Thin Hotel’, which describes the experience of hearing an ex sleeping with someone else in the next room, and his liberation at realising he no longer feels anything. I also included a little interlude that rips off ‘Nervous Breakdown’ by Black Flag, because that felt relevant too.” - Carolyn Hawkins

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 on two 7-inches and their solid 2019 debut When the Tree Bears Fruit. Please read on for more info.

Parsnip are: Carolyn Hawkins (she/her), Rebecca Liston (they/them), Paris Rebel Richens (she/her) and Stella Rennex (she/her).

“Parsnip would appreciate any media who wish to interview us or to review us to do so respectfully. This includes understanding that labelling Parsnip as a ‘girl’ band is not only inappropriate (due to not all members identifying as women), but it also infantilises a band of grown adults and experienced musicians. We encourage you to examine any language you use that may be informed by assumptions and not relevant to our music and/or experiences.”

Green shoots have burst forth from Parsnip, let’s warmly welcome the Australian group’s sophomore 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!

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