CALE PARKS – To Swift Mars

Intertwining melodic harmonies with a retro electronic new wave sound, Cale Park’s newest EP combines a wide range of musical influences throughout it’s six tracks.

Each track offers a unique feel and sound that keeps the listener’s attention. “Eyes Won’t Shut” starts off the effort with something reminiscent of a Philip Glass-looped synthesized piece. By the chorus, its sound takes an electronic Depeche Mode turn. “Running Family” is a drum-driven piece accompanied by more synth. Halfway during the track I take in a synthesized sound symbolic of German electronic pioneers Tangerine Dream making it a definite highlight.

Park’s vocals are fittingly mellow and often manipulated with echo effects and mild distortion. There’s even a little touch of Bob Dylan in the harmony of the beat during “Knight Conversation.” “Crystal Air” is perhaps the most analog piece of music on this EP, with its driving drum and piano. The track likely to be pushed as the single would be the feel good party sound of “One at a Time.” The vocal distortion along with the funky bass line and beat are very similar to that of a Daft Punk sound.

Cale Parks might be one person making his music but he draws influences from all walks of musical life. Trying to label a sound like this is tough. One thing is for sure: it’s an interesting musical journey.

(Polyvinyl Record Co., PO Box 7140, Champaign, IL 61826-7140)