Late 2004 and Parka lead singer/songwriter Matt Thomson, becoming tired of his music studies at Perth College of Music, decides to head back to sunny Glasgow and put his collection of home recordings to good use. Music shops, internet and colleges were scoured for players and finally February 2005 saw the birth of Parka as a 4 piece indie/electro rock outfit with the smiley energy of a drummer called Neil, the calm presence of a bassist – Ian, and the eerie strangeness of a keyboard technocrat named Mark. But it wasn’t until old school friend, stoned enigma and saxophonist Bob, completed the line up that Parka found that unique and compelling ska tinge to their dance noise. Matt’s charming, childlike stage energy helped to win the band the attention they deserved, even back in the early days of their low-fi casio-infused moments.‘The roly-poly is a new addition. It’s the sober way to rave.’A year down the line they were offered a single deal for their manic anthem ‘Disco Dancer’ through influential tastemaker 7” label Worst Case Scenario. Summer 2006 brought Parka to London in preparation for their debut single where they found themselves living in an old strip club in Whitechapel, resplendent with pole in the living room and chair screwed to the floor outside the shower cubicle! First time guests to the Parka residence must perform at least one initiation pole dance for the band.‘Disco Dancer’ took many by surprise, winning Zane Lowe’s Fresh Meat on Radio 1, getting playlisted on XFM with the video (complete with balloon drum kit, guitar and sax) making it onto The Box and Q.The bigger labels came calling and Jeepster won the race for their signature whilst the band continued to claim London’s indie clubs as their own, toured with Boy Kill Boy, opened for The Automatic and The Enemy and sold out Glasgow’s King Tuts. Produced by Stephen Hague (New Order, Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode, Blur), Parka’s first single on Jeepster, ‘If You Wanna’ will infect dance floors and indie clubs across the UK with a bad case of wild abandon upon its May 7th release date.
For Fans Of: Radio 4, Ian Curtis, The Rapture, Groove Armada and Brazil
‘Ferociously infectious’ Losing Today
19 April – Bath, Moles Club, supporting The Switches
24 April – Bristol, Thekla Social, supporting The Switches
29 April – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms, supporting The Switches
30 April – Newcastle Uni, supporting The Switches
1 May – Glasgow G2, supporting The Switches
2 May – Aberdeen, Tunnels, supporting The Switches
9 May – London, Nag Nag Nag
11 May - Isle of Man, Douglas Villa Marina Promenade Suite
CD Tracklisting:
1.If You Wanna?
2.Hoxton Hair
3.Closing Time
Parka