Customer Reviews

New Parade

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For the past few months, I've been seeing the most amazing commercial ever for Cambridge Soundworks. Lonely guy in his apartment. Next door a beautiful woman puts some incredible alienated rockin' music on her stereo. The guy takes a painting off his wall, revealing a peep hole. And then... he puts his ear to the wall to hear the music. So perfect. And for the longest time I desperately wanted to know who the band was. And now I do... The Sheila Divine "opportune moment". Take that song along with what has to be one of the best songs of the decade "Hum" and well.. Who cares about the rest of the album. It is good but those two songs make this a mandatory buy for any alienated heartbroken boy who loves passionate rocking music. The best review I read said the album sounded like "unsatisfied" by the replacements, a classic brilliant song. The other point of reference I'd add would be "You're Living all over me" by Dinosaur Jr -- 'come on babe, come on rescue me, just this last time'. As a whole, the CD isn't the greatest ever, but for a debut album? wow. And those two songs? In twenty years when my future kids sort thru my cd collection, this is the one that'll make their heads turn. Get it.

Like most people who purchase this album, "HUM" is the song that set me searching for more from this band. The accompanying songs "Automatic Buffalo," "Opportune Moment," and "I'm A Believer" are excellent songs in their own right and will undoubtedly be heard nationwide in the near-future. The only potential problem i can forsee with this CD is the misconception that it might be alot faster and/or harder, strictly by listening only to "HUM."

Lucky me for stumbling across this debut album from The Sheila Divine. New Parade was my first exposure to this band, which obviously has the potential to make it big. The Sheila Divine is a talented set of musicians who can write infectious melodies and deliver a powerful musical performance.

Every track on "New Parade" is infectious. The songs range from rhythmic, pounding rockers (such as "Awful Age" or "I'm A Believer") to contemplative, softer reflections (like the title track or "The Amendment"). "Hum" was apparently a preeminent song from this album, which is understandable - it's irresistible angry pop. "Automatic Buffalo" and "Opportune Moment" are soaring, ebullient tunes. Each of the other songs on the album is also a worthy listen in its own right.

The truss of New Parade is the dynamic, soaring vocals of Aaron Perrino. There's no doubt this guy can sing with all his heart and soul; whether it's light falsetto or straight screaming, his passion can't be missed. When that kind of singing is supported with interesting songwriting and vigorous musicianship from the band, it's an unstoppable combination.

My only criticism of New Parade is in production. Somehow the producers of this album failed to fully capture the texture and strength of Aaron Perrino's vocals. At times the lead singer sounds slightly garbled or subtly muted - precisely what you don't want to do to a voice like his.

The Sheila Divine managed to avoid that production problem on their September 2002 release, Secret Society. I enjoyed New Parade so much that I purchased the brand new EP, which consists of six new songs from this talented band. Based on these two discs, it wouldn't surprise me if someday we know The Sheila Divine as rock and roll superstars.

This band is by far one of the most talented out there. For a freshman recording, this album is amazing. The quality of the recording can be muddy in parts. However, the quality of the songs is top notch. What they lack in production, they make up for in content. I highly recommend this album and their upcoming one, "Where have my countrymen gone".

This is the best new band that I have listened to in a very long time. The CD is a great play all the way through it and there is not a bad song on the entire CD. I personally think that Opportune Moment is the best track on the CD, followed by Automatic Buffalo. I give The Sheila Devine 5 stars for such a great CD.

I was turned on to this disc by my boss, who referred to the now famous boston area commercial for Cambridge Sound Works. This is a sound unlike I have ever heard. The voice of the lead singer who(don't know the name but soon will) is reminiscence of U2's Bono who has the ability to go from low to an all out scream only greater clarity with more talent. I have not talked to anyone who has appreciated this interesting new sound. I cannot wait for the next album. I hope this is not a one album wonder.

the album is pretty good on the first listen but gets so much better with each spin.

and they rocked the Skybox at UMass.

these guys have it. i don't know what "it" is, but they've definitely got it.

i heard "hum" on a cmj sampler and nearly choked on my ramen. what a blast of bracing melody, guitar and great howling vocals. the songs are uncomplicated and not riffy in a way that a lot of "guitar" records are, with simple, drawn out melodies delivered full throttle by the singer guy. i keep reminding myself that this far from the most original thing i've heard...and then throw it on again, and crank it like im 16 again. i'm not.

It will only take you a few seconds to not fall in love with this album. The Sheila Divine have released a heart wrenching beautifully inspired album with "New Parade." Once you hear the catchy melodies and unbelievable falsetto in each song, you can't help but think of this album as a classic. Probably the best tunes on the album would have to be "Hum" and "Automatic Buffalo." These guys are going to be around for a long long time.

New Parade by the Sheila Divine is a strong album that is comparable in style to the Welsh band Stereophonics. It mixes hardrock with passionate and effecting vocals similar to Bono of U2 and Thom Yorke of Radiohead with a twist of Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. Despite being hard rock, the New Parade is very easy listen in that it makes use of strong pop hooks particularly on the songs Automatic Buffalo, Criminal, Modern Log, and Hum. Thus, this album can be appealing to both those who are into the rock of Live for example and those who are listening to indie bands such as Radiohead, Stereophonics, and the Manic Street Preachers. Most of the songs are simple verse and chorus numbers that just become chaotic towards the end. The chaotic ending to the songs are what make the album an invigorating listen. However, if there is anything to be very critical of about the album, it would be that the vocals on the later tracks can seem a bit muddy. But, there is no need to worry, since the lyrics are printed out.