Parx-e Volume 3

It’s been a little more than four years since the first Parx-e compilation found its way into my stereo. The second was released with little fanfare, but I’m thrilled to have a copy of the third installment keeping me company today.

The third Parx-e album is supersized, with two discs rather than the single CD the first delivered. I suppose there was just too much talent to cram onto one! The quality certainly hasn’t suffered, with Parx-e Volume 3 serving up an enticing and eclectic mix of Aussie and international indie acts.

It’s that variety that ensures that even at a couple of hours, the third Parx-e doesn’t feel like a slog. However it doesn’t feel like we’re jerked around between genres either. The Parx-e team must have made some killer mix tapes in their teens, because they know how to put together a diverse collection of music without jarring our ears. OK, so the metalbilly stylings of Black Hayet might have jarred me just a little bit, but I think that was the point!

I was thrilled to see some of my favourite independent Aussies like Bec Plath and Catherine Traicos featured. Just as the first album did, the latest Parx-e also introduced me to some new talents like pop-rockers Crossing Romeo and playful jazz pop chanteuse Rosaline Yuen. I’m sure I’ll find myself delving into the catalogues of many of the contributing musicians.

Go Go Sapien and Steph Hannah, two of the artists featured on the disc, will play a free show Brunswick’s The Penny Black on October 19 to launch Parx-e Volume 3. The album will be officially released and available for free through the Parx-e Zine website the following day.

Image source: Parx-e Zine

Parx-e – A Compilation of Independent Music

I love a good compilation album. The problem is, there aren’t a lot of those around. Sure you can buy those mindless discs of the latest Top 40 music, but aren’t we all sick of those songs anyway? Then there are those discs which fit a theme, but tend to have all the same songs you own on other albums anyway.

So I was pretty excited when a new compilation album that didn’t fit the mould crossed my desk. Parx-e is a strange name for what turns out to be a brilliant disc. It features some of the best independent music I’ve heard in a long while.

You probably haven’t heard of any of the artists featured here, but that’s part of the fun. They come from all corners of the globe, united by their talent and amazing songs. The tunes are as diverse as the musicians’ backgrounds, which for a music lover like me is really appealing.

I was particularly floored by the American girls it introduced me to. Amanda Rogers reminds me of our own Natalie Imbruglia with her honest lyrics and sweet vocals. Rebecca Loebe’s “As I Tell You So” is like sunshine. I’m also in love with Shannon Curtis’ beautiful “Boomerangs and Arrows.”

But I can’t forget about the strong Aussie contingent. The Wellingtons give a perfect slice of pop-rock with “She Gave Up.” Just try listening to it without smiling. I don’t tend to listen to a lot of country music, but Kate Brianna drew me in with “The Devil Came Back For You.” There’s nothing quite like a woman scorned, is there? The jazzy Jessica McPherson has crafted a wonderful groove in “Flow.”

Parx-e is simply a joy. I have fallen for so many songs here, and I can’t wait to learn more about the artists it’s introduced me to. It’s an unassuming disc, but one that’s definitely worth taking a chance on. Parx-e is available to order through JB Hi Fi and other good record stores.

Image source: Parx-e MySpace