Thomas Parkes: Big Machine
By Stephen Jewell
Despite the non de plume Thomas: Parkes is not a lone individual but a duo composed of former Bike bassist Marcus Thomas and Blair Parkes who is apparently a prolific solo artist. The accompanying press release from Christchurch label South Recordings suggests 'Big Machine' is "a catchy mix of easy, electro fuelled siesta pop". And there's certainly a distinct Garden City flavour as Thomas: Parkes resemble a tougher, less ramshackle Pine. Internationally speaking, Stereolab and particularly Blur's more blissed-out moments come to mind. Thomas: Parkes' vocals recall Damon Albarn's distinctive drawl while Remote Control's grungy guitar riff seems to have been borrowed directly from Blur's punk thrash-out Beetlebum. But despite sometimes wearing their influences too closely on their sleeves, 'Big Machine' is a promising debut, which should bode well for the future.