Parcels’ Parcels

Released in 2018, Parcels’ self-titled debut is the purest distillation of the nu-disco sound yet released. First gaining notoriety through their enlistment of Daft Punk for production on the single “Overnight,” the quintet show that choice to be not just fitting, but prescient. Indeed, it was the electronic duo’s 2013 swan song Random Access Memories that provided the critical basis for the re-establishment of disco in mainstream music today. On Parcels, the group take this torch and run with it, building an expansive world of lavish keyboard, staccato funk guitars and swelling arrangements worthy of admiration. “Lightenup” is a no-frills jam, deftly complimented by woodwinds as it crescendos to intoxicating effect. The slow burn of “Everyroad” builds upon the pitter-patter of guitar and sumptuous strings before giving way to a surprisingly dubstep-esque conclusion. “IknowhowIfeel” bubbles with a potent, transporting focus, while “Tieduprightnow” sports a groove that has Nile Rodgers smiling somewhere. Ultimately, the difference between the mere revival of a genre and its advancement relies upon aptitude, taste and a healthy reverence for what has come before. Parcels exhibit all of this in spades on their first release. Fasten your seatbelts, make sure your seat back and folding trays are in their full upright position, and settle in for a glorious flight through Parcels’ friendly sonic skies. You won’t regret it for a second.

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If you like Parcels, check out:

• “Round and Round” by Ariel Pink

• Risqué by Chic

• For Ever by Jungle

• Automatic by Mildlife

• Aja by Steely Dan