Deantoni Parks is a well rounded and talented musician who collaborated with Big Sir, Vato Negro, and Omar Rodriguez Lopez, to name a few. While mostly known as the drummer of progressive rock band The Mars Volta, Parks does not limit himself to being a drummer only. Few weeks ago Parks has released his debut solo album “Touch But Don’t Look”. If you have seen him drumming with The Mars Volta, you might have certain expectations on how his solo work might sound, but if you actually go ahead and listen to it, all your expectations will be crashed. Parks’ album will make you want to turn the volume up high and dance all night. Have you ever heard electronic music led by technical drumming? If not, you can hear a lot of it in “Touch But Don’t Look” and you will be surprised by how good it sounds.
After my first listen I thought “Touch But Don’t Look” is an experimental freak-out. However, after I’ve listened to it few more times, I’ve recognized that it is actually a very well structured and planned out piece of electronic music. The rhythms and harmonies are perfectly arranged together, giving the album a sense of completion. Filled with well-combined synchs and drumming, “Touch But Don’t Look” sounds groovy yet very melodic. It is refreshing and slightly addictive.
As for an electronic album done by a rock drummer, “Touch But Don’t Look” got everything electronic music has to offer and a bit more.
soundcolourvibration.com
bandcamp.com
