With song titles like ‘Disco Dancer’ and ‘DJ In The Corner’ you may think you have Parka well and truly sussed and opening track Bosses and Bastards certainly does nothing to change that with its funky upbeat, electro-rock. Similarly, ‘Disco Dancer’ sounds like Franz Ferdinand on speed and there is even an appearance from Saffron from Republica on the album. But Parka are not one trick ponies by any means.
‘Mr Optimistic’ opens like some cheesy 80s film but isn’t too far away lyrically and vocally from Oasis’ Shakermaker while Stay Away is a big rock ballad complete with 8 piece orchestra that is clearly influenced by the Gallaghers and co. Elsewhere, we get U.S style ska-punk in I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight and classic British power-pop anthems Wake Up Call and Better Anyway.
Whatever style they are playing, this is a band full of positivity and energy. “Dance if you wanna, lose all your worries tonight” Matty sings on ‘If You Wanna’ and that’s just what you should do listening to this album, full of fast, three minute wonders.