The Parlotones at The Barnyard in MIO

I have finally made peace with the fact that I will never have enough cash to do what I want to do, so have decided to accept kind gestures and gifts from my friends. This, fantastically, meant that I could go see another Parlotones gig and relive the good times!

The idea of watching a band in a theatre has never really appealed to me. It could be the likeliness of an ABBA or Barry Manilo cover sneaking it’s way into the door; it could also be my phobia of being trapped in a small room full of strangers; or even the awkward intervals where there is only time for a bit of small talk, a wee and a coke – but I cowboy’d myself up and pushed my way through a packed room to our table and made myself comfortable.

I really didn’t think this ‘gig in a theatre’ thing could be pulled off…but, it is the Parlotones, and I have seen them liven up a crowd with the energy of road kill before, so I gave them the benefit of the doubt.

I was captivated from the second they started. The sound was excellent – easy to notice as 99% of the gigs I see are usually at some dingy club with a R500 PA system, or a blown speaker.

What added to the experience is that they brought in the signature Parlotones theatrical element. The guy-liner that has the “a Clockwork Orange” feel to it, the outfit changes, and Kahn’s creative dance moves that could put Napoleon Dynamite to shame. They keep the stage alive throughout the performance to the point that you just don’t want it to end.

Their set included old favorites off “RadioControlledRobot”, more favorites from their “A World Next Door To Yours” album as well as a sneak preview of favortites-to-be from their new album which is due to be released in November. They catered for both the radio single junkies as well as the die hard fans (of the music – not the movie) who remember The Parlotones as the guys who would stutter stutter and wear scarves in a 35 degree heatwave. If nothing else, you need to check out the medley they have crafted together – nice one guys!

It is a Barnyard necessity to include some covers, and I was elated when the ones that were chosen were all in good taste: the Beatles and Bob Dylan cracked the nod.

So, my advice is that you should jump on the Barnyard tour bandwagon – you will be totally surprised, awed and generally have an unforgettable night. Yet another example as to why The Parlotones are an SA favorite.

Source: http://www.mio.co.za/article/the-parlotones-at-the-barnyard-theatre-2009-07-30

The Parlotones “A World Next Door To Yours” Album Launch

We arrived at the launch slightly later than we bargained for due to the grim weather conditions, making it just in time. The rain didn’t stop anyone as the venue was absolutely packed. It might have been more comfortable for most members of the crowd if fewer tickets had been sold, but who cares about comfort? The Parlotones were about to take to the stage and that’s all that mattered!

We spent the first 15 minutes pushing our way to the front of the stage to get a better view. We got sworn at, elbowed and stood on, but eventually succeeded and landed a sweet spot right next to the stage. The stage, as well as everything (and we mean EVERYTHING) on it was covered in tin foil. All the instruments, stands, amps, mics, wires, even some beer bottles had been covered. Glen even had a tin foil tie on at some point. It was like the aluminium version of King Midas. Between the foil and the screens all over the room – the setting was great and really effective. If you have any questions about the foil, check out the new album cover and it will all come together.

The guys played two sets mixing much loved songs from their previous album “RadioControlledRobot” in with their new material. It was such an awesome vibe that it’s difficult to say whether the band or the crowd were having a better time. Kahn pulled out his signature dance moves, which kept everyone endlessly entertained. Some people joined in – including two young versions of Kahn who can now add ‘role model’ and ‘trend setter’ to his credit.

Local musicians joined in the fun, including Sean Murphy from Evolver, who assisted Glen on keyboards for most the songs. He also did backing vocals, wore the make-up, styled his hair and tin foiled out his keyboards, making him the honorary Parlotone for the night. Other artists included one of the girls from Electro Muse, Cito (who was around to hit some of the high notes), Martin and Danny from Wonderboom. There was also a children’s choir who unfortunately couldn’t really be heard above the huge crowd, but added to the effect.

It can’t be put it more plainly – this album is going to be a hit! We weren’t sure how they were going to match up to RadioControlledRobot, but this album does it. The songs are a step in a slightly more mature direction with the sound just as distinctive. The lyrics have a different type of substance, more of a storyline and a common thread throughout. Musically, it is addictive and the songs complete each other almost in the same way as a good movie soundtrack would.

Once the band had disappeared back stage, it seemed for a moment they were going to skip the encore. It took a desperate plea from an audience member who climbed on stage, grabbed a mic, and begged for another song. The band came back and sang “Louder than Bombs” followed by their current single “Giant Mistake”. Throughout these last songs, a couple of crazy fans (the Kahn look-alikes) were jumping around on stage and singing along, much to the amusement of, well, just about everybody there!

On our way out in the early hours of Friday morning, the guys were still signing everything from albums covers to lower backs and there were still quite few people waiting their turn. The evening was over way too soon, and the most anticipated album launch of 2007 was a great success. If you haven’t got your album yet, you are leaving it way too late…

Reviewed by Kez & Clauds

PARLOTONES @ BLUESROOM 02/08/2007

For anyone who thought SA music threw in the towel when the Springbok Nude Girls separated all those years ago, here is the opportunity to change your mind. I’d be very surprised if you haven’t heard of The Parlotones by now. Four uber-talented musicians from Roodepoort with a new sound that has taken over this country (and other countries) by storm.

What is just as brilliant as this band is their live performance. Last night they played at the Blues Room in Village Walk along with The Black Hotels and 16 Stitch. They wore their standard eye make-up (manly eye make-up) and had funky new hair-styles and they blew the crowded venue away (again). Their songs are addictive which is a good sign for a band that has taken SA music a step higher with a new sound in local music. And it rocks!

Kahn never runs out of his signature moves and is always extremely entertaining. Despite forgetting a few lyrics here and there (even with Glenn’s prompting), their following is reflected in the majority of the crowd that can sing along to almost every song, old and new.

Speaking of their new songs, I can’t wait for their new album. I’ll put my money on another SAMA for this one. And with their frequent visits to the UK, I see bigger things coming their way too. The CD launch will be at the end of September, so clear your diaries because this is one you cant miss!

Due to Steve going AWOL, my advice for this week would be: Even if you’re REALLY drunk, and you think it’s your birthday, it’s NEVER a good idea to have a conversation with the singer of a band. On stage. In the middle of a song. Yes, this really happened.

See you at the next one!

The Parlotones @ The Firkin, Boksburg

Kitted out with some new guitars and a few more international shows under their belts, The Parlotones managed to rock the small town of Boksburg at the Firkin last night. As hard-core fans, we dusted off our passports, filled up with over priced petrol and headed east.

The Firkin has hosted a few brilliant bands over the last few weeks (I’m becoming a local *cringe*), and the lads and ladies from Boksburg are starting to catch on.

The Black Hotels opened the evening and got most people’s attention off the cricket and onto the stage. I’ve never been a big fan of this band, but they are really starting to grow on me.

Due to previous lack of opportunities in the more popular venues, I stood pretty much near the front and could actually see the entire band at any given time. I could even see the colour of Kahn’s eyes – a rare find.

Their energy, antics and Kahn’s dance(?) moves that never get stale, make them one of the best stage shows to date. He knows how to hold any crowd, despite having to blow his nose and losing his guitar – sort of – during the gig.

I love their new songs the more I hear them and they are just as brilliant and addictive as those on Radiocontrolledrobot – the new album is going to be a killer.