Tess Parks – Pomegranate (2024)
After reviewing ‘Koalas’ way back at the end of August, the anticipation of Tess Parks’ next record has been palpable. Having spent the end of 2024 exploring her back catalogue I was ready for some music. This Torontonian did not disappoint, Pomegranate is the perfect evolution of her sound, keeping her familiar dreamy soundscape while lyrically keeping it fresh and bringing us something new to the table.
Opening with ‘Bagpipe Blues’ sets the tone for the entire record with a hazy sound, reminiscent of a low sunset stretching out over the fields of a music festival. You could just lay on the grass staring up getting lost in the music. To be honest, the entire album has had me laid back just immersed in the sound.
The next track to catch my attention was ‘Lemon Poppy’ with a more indie-folk feel to it. I can definitely hear the influence of Oasis, who Parks herself cites as her inspiration to pick up a guitar in the first place, having seen them all the way back in 2002. Following this ‘Charlie Potato’ is an example of what a fantastic artist Tess Parks is, the bravery of having such a stark change of tempo, slowing it down again and including more of spoken word style of vocals is a triumph and for me delivers the best song of the record.
‘Running Home To Sing’ displays another facade of Parks’ talents; the long strung-out intro builds on the tone the album has created so far, I couldn’t help being drawn to the similarities in the track to another of my favourite bands of all time, Mazzy Star. This is something I couldn’t shake for the rest of the record and during the many times I’ve listened to it since. Wrapping up with ‘Surround’ was an interesting choice as the more upbeat tempo changes the direction yet again, but in my opinion is a great close to an almost perfect piece of art.
With 2025 ahead, I’m looking forward to seeing what more is coming our way and really hoping for a UK tour to get announced, but until then Pomegranate will be spinning on my turntable for months to come. Since I can hand on heart say, Tess Parks stands tall with bands like Mazzy Star and Warpaint in my opinion and has that unique talent they all share.
Find out more about Tess Parks on her Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
