Parcels take time to reflect on Loved

The Australian five-piece have been constantly on the move since their formation in 2014. With two studio albums, two live albums and a string of EPs, they’ve never been far from their fanbase or making music. It’s certainly been an adventurous journey that has seen them moving to and recording in Berlin and collaborating with Daft Punk.

It, therefore, might not come as a surprise that they hadn’t taken a six-month break since 2014. The time taken to regroup and recharge their batteries is evident on Loved, their third studio album and first since 2021. It’s a richly rewarding record that showcases their seemingly disparate influences and channels them into a funk-infused melting pot.

“Tobeloved” starts in a surprising fashion, built around piano and guitar before the five-piece’s harmonies kick in. Harmonies have always been at the forefront of their sound; however, for this album, they took a slightly different approach. They recorded their vocals in unison around two mics, something The Beach Boys famously used to do. This lends their harmonies more power and urgency. This track really gives a glimpse at the funk flavour that will be found across the album, whetting appetites.

Recorded on surf breaks, there is a relaxed attitude that translates into the warm and soothing sound of the record. It’s a far cry from the group’s Berlin days but it offers glimpse at their evolution and showcases how important the downtime has been for helping them to recalibrate. This is especially apparent on “Ifyoucall”, it begins in somewhat subdued fashion before electronic effects kick in and it culminates in a wall of sound, with a sense of swirling chaos. It never distracts from the beauty at the heart of it, however, never suffocating itself.

While the funk guitar sound shines brightly across the album, there are more than a few hints at other directions and influences. “Sorry” for instance finds us in a more familiar electronic territory, the drumbeats making it feel almost hip-hop in style. It’s a fascinating marriage with the sound of other parts of the record.

“Safeandsound”, meanwhile has a harsher, rockier edge to it, to an almost prog degree. It’s a different side to the group, but one that works. Harmonies are used more sparingly here but have a haunting beauty to them when employed. It really takes flight in its final moments, easy to imagine as an epic live track. “Yougotmefeeling” channels the Beach Boys influence with harmonies featuring prominently, the band talked of wanting listeners to feel like they’re in the middle of them and they certainly achieve that here.

“Finallyover” is a standout and another track that really leans into the melodic beauty of the group’s harmonies. There is a rich, soothing quality to them that feels luxurious. “Thinkaboutit” is shorter than some of the other tracks on the album but strikes a perfect balance, encapsulating what makes this album work so well, from the harmonies to the funk grooves. It’s a short, sharp delight.

Loved is a departure for Parcels but one that is constantly invigorating, the group are clearly incredibly relaxed and that is reflected in the calming, and highly enjoyable soundscape they have created on this record. It may be a tad repetitive in places but there is so much joy on display and a clear sense of musical evolution for the Byron Bay quintet, it is hard not to get on board. It will reward long-term fans and should prove a fine jumping-on point for new listeners.