Smashing Mag/The Parkinsons interview

The Parkinsons interview

Talking with Victor and Al

A Long Way To Everywhere!!

-- Part1 --
When music is tragic, frantic, immediate, and raw, it has that overwhelming power to channel one's energy into a most pure and primordial state of mind that simply cannot be questioned. For those many who have wondered where all the bands have gone that encapsulate this dynamic, representing the true punk rock 'n' roll roots straight up, no bs, no excuses, no pretty boy pretensions, no packaging, look no further than THE PARKINSONS, a classic 4-piece of explosive punk rock sensibilities and psychobilly that blew away all present who saw them in their FUJI ROCK debut earlier this year. Later duplicated at AKASAKA BLITZ alongside HUNDRED REASONS and THE JEEVAS at the "Out Of Time" post-FUJI ROCK party, THE PARKINSONS showcased their apocalyptic intensity as the opener for this latter triple treat bill. If you had missed either, fear not, there is hope for redemption for THE PARKINSONS are leaving London to come back for a month long criss-crossing club tour throughout Japan to give us their get on with it wake-up call to action, not words. For those unfamiliar with THE PARKINSONS, they combine the music talents originally from Portugal and England, coming together in London and gigging relentlessly from their inception. Releasing their 8 track debut, 'A Long Way to Nowhere' earlier this year (Sound Circus), they certainly have come a long from it in many ways with plenty of road in front of them which is perfectly fine with them. This foursome embrace their never ending ride of opportunities as they as they seize each moment, each day without fail. A fitting second band name could be CARPE DIEM for there's no wasting of energies here. Fueling it all is their unpredictable and intense live performances and music itself. Between Al (vocals), Victor (guitars), Pedro (bass), and newly added Nick (drums) replacing Chris, their song titles speak for themselves and are added strength with fitting music. From the speeding rockabilly roadster madness of "Primitive" to the IGGY POP meets INSPIRAL CARPETS on speed combined with a searing guitar of "Too Many Shutups", to the DEAD KENNEDY's, BLACK FLAG, GERMS, CIRCLE JERKS rawness of "Hate Machine" to the THE CRAMPS nightmarish countryesque of "Nothing To Lose," THE PARKINSONS are always primed to dispense their 100% pure potent fifth of rock 'n' roll onto the the world over to drink up and run wild with. It's a long-lasting happy hour when they're tending bar so drink up.