Music

Review: Australian band Parcels perform a funk-filled set at Sound Control

0 313
Embarking on their first show of their European tour, the Australian five-piece Parcels bring their retro-pop funk to Manchester’s Sound Control.

By Mia Abeyawardene


Having just released their first EP, ‘Hideout’, Parcels may be relatively new but have caught the attention of many music fans across the world.

As Parcels took the stage, the crowd erupted in raucous cheers. The back of the stage was adorned with a large silver sheet of material, reflecting the stage lights and creating a futuristic, intergalactic effect.

Although Sound Control is set to close down next month, with the space being converted into student housing, many turned out to show their support for the bands performing, cheering and dancing throughout.

Over minimal piano and bass chords, a robotic voice recording played through the speakers, pondering philosophical questions about the nature of the universe. The monotone voices on the recording are reminiscent of their producers – the electronic dance duo Daft Punk.

After a gradual build up, they break down in to the funky sing-a-long ‘Myenemy’ and has everyone bouncing on their feet. Patrick Hetherington on keyboards had an expression of ecstasy and exhilaration as the band plays a funk riff familiar to many from ‘Good Times’ by Chic.

Each song seamlessly flowed into the next, creating the feel of a live jam session featuring a triangle, piano slides, synths and a thumping heartbeat drum rhythm.

The disco dance tracks then slowed down for ‘Alie’, opening with a beautifully drawn out harmonisation “oooooooaaahh”. The sweet vocal harmonies and melodies of endearing lyrics had everyone clapping and clicking in time with the band, singing along: “I’ve got something to hold’.

While Jules Crommelin took a moment to tune his guitar, the band closed the show with a new unreleased song called ‘Be Myself’. Rainbow lights flooded the stage as the room was filled with delicate, catchy melodies.

About the author / 

Mia Abeyawardene

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • The world is starting to take notice of Manchester’s fashion scene: what does that mean for us?

    Featured image: Evie Atkins When Vogue Business asked the question on everyone’s lips – “Is Manchester the next big fashion city?” – the world was forced to pay attention. The publication spotlighted Manchester Fashion Institute (MFI) and Manchester Met, highlighting the 1,800 students training to be the next generation of designers and fashion change-makers. For…

  • Lights Up 2025: ‘Disco on wheels’ calls for safer streets for women and girls

    Photography: Isabelle Dargue, Ellie Williams, Bradley Sansom and Natalie Carragher Manchester’s streets were transformed into a vibrant sea of lights and colour on Saturday as Lights Up 2025 brought together more than 200 cyclists for a night-time ride across the city. The free, community-led event organised by Bee Pedal Ready and Station South aims to make…

  • Opinion: Grace Wales Bonner’s Hermés appointment challenges gender hierarchies in fashion

    Featured image: Evie-Iris Atkins Grace Wales Bonner’s appointment as the new creative force behind menswear at Hermès feels less like a surprise and more like a moment of long-overdue recognition. Not only does it cement the 35-year-old designer’s position as one of the visionaries for a new era of the fashion industry, but it challenges…

  • Leeds Festival 2025: A weekend of chaos, confetti and unreleased anthems

    Featured image: Gracie Hall Leeds Festival 2025 is one for the history books. Across three relentless days, Bramham Park transforms into a dust-choked, glitter-soaked arena where breakthrough acts collide with stadium giants and fans leave dusty, voiceless, and aching for more. This year’s lineup proves Leeds still thrives on extremes: chaos and calm, confetti and…