Parkbridge

The band that keep you 'rivetted'...

Parkbridge

(Unsigned)

INDIE ROCK

Review By: SAM LOUGHLAN

Band members: Robert Carter (Vocals/Guitar)

Sean Dyer (Lead Guitar)

Dave Johnson (Drums)

Ian Turford (Bass)

Track list: All Right Jack

Karma 4 One

Why Do You

Hired to Kill

Changing My Number

Yesterdays are Gone

Pirates

Sheryls Song

Here we are again with another gem from the alternative music scene. Today’s piece actually comes from my home-ground of Tameside. Let’s get stuck straight in…

Parkbridge are a four-piece fully-fledged band formed in 2022. Coming together through a shared love of classic rock, folk rock and blues, the guys also share tastes in bands such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Free.

After a series of well-received live gigs work soon began on the bands debut album entitled ‘Rivets for the Eifel Tower’.

Released on the 17th November 2023, this album comprises of eight tracks and really showcases the guys talents. The title for the album is actually derived from the famous Parkbridge Iron Works.

“If you ever go to Paris, in the museum at the Eiffel Tower there is an inscription that says “Rivets made by the Park Bridge Iron Foundry, Ashton-under-Lyne” and so Rivets For The Eiffel Tower became the obvious name for our first album,” says frontman and vocalist/guitarist, Robert Carter.

I must say, this band have a pretty interesting back story. This is definitely one of their little quirks that’s kept me ‘rivetted’ on this review.

On first play-through I really enjoyed the energy given off by the introductory track entitled ‘All Right Jack’. To me, Parkbridge give off a mixture of The Doors/The Beatles vibes. This is a combination that most music enthusiasts would probably not put together. The brave choices made by the band really do pay off though and flourish and musical prowess come together to create was can only be described as a phenomenal little piece of music.

I would define Parkbridge as classically light-hearted and easy-listening. With a 60s edge, it could definitely liven up any radio show.

My favourite track of the album has to be ‘Karma 4 One’. I particularly love this track as it has a blues edge to it and demonstrates that you cannot ‘box off’ these guys into just one genre of music. They really do provide something for everyone.

The use of prevalent rhyming techniques throughout the lyrics makes for easy singing along which is always a bonus as it gets the audience involved and draws then in. The themes of the tracks as a whole are pretty relatable however some may say they are aimed at the older generation as there is a slight Johnny Cash flavouring to some of the subject matters.

As a whole I would say Parkbridge are not really to my personal tastes, however they have got me singing along and I’m looking forward to see what they come up with in their future ventures.

Now, you’ve heard my views on Parkbridge, we have an extra little treat for you, an exclusive interview with frontman, Robert Carter…

1. What genre of music do you feel you most relate to?

It’s difficult to generalise, we’ve been described as bluesy folk rock and folky blues rock. Somebody even described us as a mix between Little Feat and Fairport Convention during a live broadcast. I think many of our varied influences contribute to the music. When we create a new song, we let it flow into a sound that feels right for the song. Most songs are written with one voice and one acoustic guitar but that isn’t where they end up.

2. Who are you’re musical influences?

Most of the classic rock artists such as Led Zeppelin, Free, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd and early Fleetwood Mac, you can hear David Gilmour and Peter Green in Seans guitar playing but more lyrical and traditional stuff as well such as Fairport Convention and latterly for me at least Show of Hands. Sean first wanted to play guitar when hearing the Stereophonics and that brings an indie vibe. Ian’s basslines have a lot of Motown and classic soul about them as well as Geezer Butler. Dave loves the classic rock style of percussion.

3. How hard is it to approach next level promoters?

To be honest we haven’t really tried that yet. We have been focussed on getting the album ready for release and then promoting it through social media, with limited success so far as it’s a steep learning curve.

4. What plans have you got for this year?

When Ian, Sean and I first got together we had an idea to play acoustic and folk rock but morphed into a more classic and blues rock style because that played to Daves strengths. Unfortunately, Dave has left the band for personal reasons that we respect and so the initial vision is back in focus. I’m working with a cajon player at the moment to see if that fits with the vision and it would be nice to maybe expand the sound with a multi-instrumentalist who plays fiddle or keys or flute or preferably all three. What we don’t want to be is a covers band, not deriding it but there are hundreds of great covers bands. We want to offer something new, so we focus on original music.

5. Are you playing at any festivals?

We are booked to play the Cream of the Crop festival which is a major part of Fairport conventions fringe at Cropredy, that’s in August and probably Tameside Beer Festival again in September but other plans are still in work.

6. Which artists past or present would you collaborate with?

I mentioned fiddle earlier and a prime-time Dave Swarbrick would be fabulous to work with and maybe John Paul Jones to add production, mandolin and keyboards. We have a great bass player in Ian Turford so JPJ would be the multi-instrumentalist.

7. Who would you compare yourselves to?

I think there is a Free vibe to what we do and maybe lyrically to early Fairport convention but there’s also an indie feel to some of the songs and some of the lyrics have an edge.

8. What has been your favourite performance given so far?

Best performance was probably Tameside Beer Festival in September but favourite would have to be Cream of the Crop.

9. What charity would you play a gig for and why?

Most homeless support charities would get my vote. Nobody should be wet, cold and starving in this country in this day and age. I actually support many charities but putting a warm roof over people’s heads.

10. What are you working on music wise right now?

I’m working with Sean on a few new songs and trying to figure out how we need to support Ian on the band’s rhythm section moving forward. Maybe cajon, maybe a new drummer, maybe other percussion or preferably all three in some capacity.

11. Where do you draw inspiration from for your lyrics?

Life mainly. Some are personal, some are observational and some are from history such as a new epic (in length at least) song about Peterloo. I’ve tried hard to write a love song but by the first chorus the dark overtones have started to set in.

12. What was the best gig you’ve ever been to and why?

Led Zeppelin at Knebworth in 1979 because it was the only time I’ve seen them. Fairport Convention opened that day and so started a long standing love affair with their music. I go to a lot of music festivals and really enjoy being surprised by bands I’ve never seen before.

13. What do you love most about being in a band?

Seeing people smile when they hear us play.

14. How do you deal with disinterested audiences?

You have to do the best you can whatever the audience reaction. Don’t be distracted because they are. Just keep playing your songs and set to the best of your ability. Trust me, I’ve played to audiences where there were more people on stage than in the crowd but I still gave it my all.

15. What interests and hobbies do you have outside of music?

The usual ones, family, food, socialising.

16. Would you be willing to show your support for our music holds no prejudice campaign?

Of course! Music is for everyone!

17. Have you got any exclusive gossip you can share with Heads up North, Manchester?

I don’t do gossip I’m afraid, leave that to others.

18. Would you consider allowing Heads up North, Manchester to review your future tracks and promote any future gigs?

That would be great, yes please.