Lee’s Listening Stack: Miracle Parade – ‘Hark!… And Other Lost Transmissions’

Miracle Parade

Hark!… And Other Lost Transmissions
(Little Record Company)

Ambition is one thing. Execution is quite another. And oftentimes the two don’t equate. Fortunately, Christopher Pappas, who goes by the alter ego Miracle Parade, has both avenues covered. A prolific songwriter, composer and conductor, his work with the band The Everyday Visuals attracted the ears of knowing observers, who offered equal praise for his original work “Pope! An Epic Musical” and then cheered his performance with a 30 piece orchestra at a noted Boston nightspot.

Still, despite Pappas’s penchant for outside activity, Miracle Parade seems the ideal vehicle for his everyday activities, a sensitive, softly strummed set of carefully crafted folk/pop musings. Influences abound – a hint of Simon and Garfunkel on the bucolic “Regarding the Haunting at 16 Fairfield” and strains of Fairport Convention on the sturdy “Los Feliz Spiritual” – but the album clearly reflects Pappas’ originality and ingenuity. The material is delivered with a soft strum and a gentle hush, and yet, the melodies are assertive and engaging even in the midst of the atmosphere and ambiance.

 
An intriguing introduction, the beguiling Hark!… And Other Lost Transmissions bodes well for future endeavors.  Make note – Miracle Parade seems to suggest an interesting progression. – Lee Zimmerman

Lee Zimmerman is a contributor to a variety of publications, including Blurt, M Music & Musicians, New Times, Goldmine and Amplifier

This review appears courtesy of Amplifier, 50,000 Watts of Non-Stop Indie Rock
http://amplifiermagazine.blogspot.com/