Music

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

0 316
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Your email address will not be published.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:

  • Spotify Wrapped – aAh! Magazine’s top albums of 2025

    By Adam Taylor It’s time to post your top artists to show how cool and different you are. Spotify Wrapped for 2025 has finally dropped. This stat-loaded list of listening habits gets everyone excited, revealing top artists, songs, podcasts, music genres, and hours listened – which can be a bit concerning… Spotify adds new features…

  • Call for online submissions: Creative Writing and Featured Artwork – Hometown

    Featured image: Suzy Hazelwood aAh! Magazine’s Literature and Creative Student Editors are delighted to announce our first online call for submissions for the 2025/26 academic year. This series invites creative writing students and visual artists to respond to the theme ‘Hometown’, offering the opportunity to showcase their work online. Manchester is a hometown for thousands, and simply…

  • What’s On: Things to do in Manchester this December

    Featured image: Manchester City CouncilBy Adam Taylor and Amy Corringham Winter is approaching, but don’t let the cold and dark days stop you getting out and about – aAh! has gathered a selection of events for all budgets for you and your friends to enjoy. Get into the festival spirit with a variety of activities…