Cactus Parachute is another band that decided that the lockdown was as good excuse as any to get together and start recording music. Tom Ellis (guitar/vocals), who is backed by Laurence Ungless (bass), Zack Levine (drums), Rob Millett (percussion), Christian Forshaw (sax), Oscar Perks (violin), Una Cho (cello) and Steve Holness (keys), all are exceptional musicians and their expertise goes on to make itself known on the band’s debut album Safety Coffin. The band mentions that the tracks can go from Death Cab for Cutie to more folky acoustic arrangements, but I think the band does one better. Their orchestral arrangements have a way of creating a swell of emotions, bolstering the music with its sweeping quality. I think Levine and Millett on drums and percussion respectively adds a dynamic element to the overall sound while Perks and Cho on strings really goes on to add a dynamite layer to the moving vibes. Clearly this was a touching record and the band’s execution on this goes to show these are musicians who know the sound they are going for and go at it with aplomb.
Safety Coffin opens up with “INTRO,” where the band appears to be warming up as some sparse sounds come through. Next, the sounds of strings arrive for more compelling vibes. Simply rendered, Ellis’ vocals enter alongside some guitar riffs on “Oceanside.” The sound, though stripped down, really went on to carry with emotional resonance. There was a touch of melancholy to the vocals as Ellis softly executed his singing. I was definitely getting folk vibes here. Slowly some percussion eases in and the song gradually builds in momentum. The orchestral swells later on in the track really made for a momentous sound. I was loving the sweeping quality to the music here. More melodious guitars come through “Fix It.” The sauntering groove has a warm vibe to it. Ellis’ vulnerable vocals arrive for many a surprising moment. The guitars and percussion were the main highlights of this song. Some sparse guitars light up the sound on the title track “Safety Coffin.” Ellis’ vocals come out, feeling more on the pulse with a driven rock sound. This sounded like straightforward rock fare to my ears. Loving the more full-on rock vibes here. Some more melodious guitars roll in on “Plastic Gardenias.” I liked the inviting acoustic sounds here. The warm vibes with lively percussion joining in had a very lush and compelling sound that I felt drawn to. More sparse guitar riffs enter for an invigorating indie rock vibe on “Simple.” Ellis’ distorted vocals really made the sound here. I felt reeled in by the dramatic drumming beat as Ellis sings with feeling. On “Jonanthan Ross,” the bass came in and I was getting some harder rock vibes here. Some percussion sizzles in the background. The sound is moving yet simply rendered at the same time. Next, some guitars and Ellis’ vocals arrive. This was another stripped track from the band as they spotlight each instrumental with finesse. On “Scarecrow’s Arm,” fingerpicking on the acoustic guitar sounds out here. Some combined vocal harmonies sound out. The melodies and harmonies felt buoyant. The dynamisms between instruments and vocals were ear-pleasing. The inclusion of some wind instruments was another great addition. Strings light up the sounds on “Makeshift Spine.” Some bongos arrive for an ominous but haunting sound. Ellis’ whispery vocals come through. I thought this was really a departure from the band’s previous songs. This atmospheric finale was a really great way to close the album. According to the band’s bio, the album was recorded remotely due to pandemic restrictions. Just by listening to this record, I wouldn’t be able to tell this was a bedroom recording at all. The production and crisp recording quality were all very professionally done. Kudos to everyone on the project. Everything from Ellis’ moving vocals to the dynamics between the percussion, strings and guitars to the spectacular job Sophie Lewisohn did on the album art cover – all these things really came together to show this project’s potential. I greatly look forward to any more things the band has in store for listeners next.
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