Parsnip - When The Tree Bears Fruit (Grn) [LP]

Undeniably, Australia has been a fertile crescent of quality music for the past few decades. It's relative geographical isolation has allowed for a microcosm of innovation and communal inspiration that seemingly knows no bounds. Like the root vegetable from which their name comes, Melbourne quartet Parsnip flourished and flowered within that scene. Since their formation in 2016, after releasing two 7-inch EPs on local label Anti-Fade (plus one side of a split LP with fellow Melbourne band The Shifters on Future Folklore), they are ready to unveil their debut full-length "When The Tree Bears The Fruit". "When The Tree Bears The Fruit" is chock full of jangle and spirit; A irresistible mix of garage, surf, girl-group gang vocals and bizarro funk, with a carefree attitude that revels in it's idiosyncrasies (crazed wah-wah, warped harmonies, unexpected rhythmic shifts, ambient sounds of the sea) without sacrificing any ounce of melodic fervor. Bassist Paris Reichen's explains the album's title; "I was attending a meditation centre based on the teachings of the guru Sri Chinmoy... When the Tree Bears Fruit stems from his wisdom on the divine quality of humility. When the branches are laden with fruit, they are offered to the world. The tree bows down and shares it's gifts with all - regardless of social status, wealth, age, gender, race, etc". Many of the tunes are symbolic of life's journey & whatever means used to get thru it (see first single "Lift Off", the addictive "Taking Me For A Ride", or the jaunty "Seafarer"), as well as celebrating the vast, weird & wonderful beauty of nature & the world. Look no further than "Sprouts" or "My Window" for evidence. Despite their admitted influences (Maurice Sendak, Beach Boys, Daniel Johnston, William Blake, 'Back From The Grave' comps, Sesame Street, 'Duck Soup'), Parsnip sounds like no one else; this is music that could only be made by close friends & family and the underlying positivity, jubilance and wonder within "When The Tree Bears Fruit" evokes a musical celebration, inviting the listener along to delight in it's merry making.