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 brand new single “Turn To Love” backed by a cinematic music video filmed on the lands of the Wurundjeri People.

In the video, there’s a Wizard of Oz-esque transition as the chorus bursts with colour, with further influences drawn from Serge Lutens photography, the Oskar Schlemmer Triadic Ballet, Yohji Yamamoto campaigns, Art Deco costumes (à la Ziegfeld Follies) and American Circus attire from the 1870s-1950s.

Of the song, Paris Rebel Richens says: "Imagine what the world would be like if everyone stopped for a moment or two every day and fixed their attention on the heart. All anyone really wants is love. This song is a plea, for everything that you do in the outer, the most profound changes must be made within. It is not a weakness, if anything, choosing love is courageous and wise."

“Turn To Love” follows “The Light”; a playful, poetic, propulsive DIY punk song with rhythm guitars reminiscent of The B52s and a Music Machine fuzz solo. It was released to unanimous worldwide acclaim, with The Guardian declaring it “quite outrageously catchy” and 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. Please read on for more info.

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.