The Parachute Brigade The Gold EP Review

The Parachute Brigade is an indie/folk/rock band from Beckley, West Virginia. Forming in 2013, the band is made up of: Justin Puett – electric guitar and vocals, Eric Robbins – acoustic guitar and vocals, Jodie Cox-Puett – bass and vocals, Brittany McGuire – keys and vocals, and Robbie Lanham, drums. Like most bands, The Parachute Brigade started their journey doing covers of band ranging from Fleetwood Mac to The Killers. However, even from the very beginning they started putting their own creative twist on each song. This led to many opportunities for the quartet, playing weddings, bars, churches, anywhere music was needed. As time went on, the band began not only creating unique versions of their favorite songs but started focusing on writing original material as well.

About the Album

The Parachute Brigade recorded a 5 song EP of original music in Nashville, TN over the summer of 2017 with themes inspired by the beauty of their home state, heartbreak, and the challenges of falling in and out of love. The project is called The Gold EP and contains a nice mix of catchy melodies, well-sung harmonies and song forms that are varied and entertaining. The band says this about their music, “A parachute slows you down and brings you to safety, that’s what music does for us and we want to provide that for as many people as we can.”

Our Favorite Track

Our favorite track is “’Til I See Stars.”  A catchy acoustic guitar figure kicks off the tune, with energy and interesting counterpoint, the tune unfolds with beautiful male/female vocal harmonies and a solid drum beat. When the verse enters, the drums drop-out to allow for the male voice to be heard and create a different sonic section to build upon. The vocal harmonies build and then the band enters with the theme from the intro, it’s very effective and dramatic. The second verse is presented with male/female vocals and the full band. The keys add a nice texture.  The bridge of strumming guitars and piano set to a new feel is an effective approach. Again, the male/female vocal harmony is brilliant. The track builds nicely, with a wonderful call and response between the male and female vocals. This is excellent songwriting that builds interest and is radiated with skill and heart. This track and all the songs on The Gold EP with four vocalist, 2 females and 2 males, is always coloring melodies with interesting vocal harmonies, giving The Parachute Brigade a unique signature sound.

In Conclusion

The Parachute Brigade implements the talents of each member. All equally skilled as vocalists, but together their sound is warm, round and expressive. Their tunes offer well-crafted lyrics that lean into the Americana side of rock.  Their harmonies are a cornerstone to their sound and well worth the exploration.

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