Judging by the title of The Parrots‘ new album, the garage rock pride of Madrid have no time for subtleties. Some might find it ironic that a band with songs that rarely venture past the four-minute mark and have the energy of a caffeine-addicted ferret can yearn for the sweet leaf, but they might be missing the point. Sure, marijuana is mostly associated with reggae and slower music, but while listening to Weed For The Parrots, I couldn’t help but remember a conversation I had with a very prominent figure in the industrial music scene. Real stoner rock is stuff like blues rock and the Doors. “They’re classic for a reason,” he said to me in that interview. “It’s music that feels alright and makes you want to jam.”
With that same spirit, The Parrots have become part of a new wave of Spanish garage rock bands, touring relentlessly and playing alongside countrymen and women like Los Nastys, Hinds, Mujeres and many others. All of them are keeping pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll going in small DIY spaces and big festival stages. Those efforts have gotten the band to collaborate with internationally known labels like Burger, Luv Luv Luv, and Sonido Muchacho.
Weed for The Parrots is a six-song EP produced by Paco Loco at El Puerto de Santa María in Cádiz. It has been released digitally and in a 10” vinyl format, if you want to hear it in all of its hissing glory.
The Parrots deliver a classic take on early rock ‘n’ roll, with surprising range and appropriate dirt for good measure. It’s timeless, uncomplicated, and raw, tailor-made for audiences who like to go completely nuts. Lead track “Terror” showcases their dark and spooky side, venturing all the way to goth territory, even though shades of The Cramps are evident. “White Fang” features a slower tempo and swings in the right way. Things start dragging on “To The People Who Showed Me Their Love While I Was Here,” although this isn’t a bad thing; the creeping tempo is welcome in their repertoire, and soon enough things pick up speed again. “All My Loving” is an Almighty Defenders cover and is also featured on their split with three-chord sensations Hinds. Album closer “Wild” dives into acoustic mode, but don’t think for a second that means mellow–the guitars are overdriven and badly recorded to capture the off the cuff attitude that makes The Parrots such a delight.
Overall, it’s a short showcase of The Parrots’ musical diversity, featuring songs for every occasion. With their notorious shows in mind, it would be cruel to even compare their live act with their recorded material, but it gives you an idea of what these miscreants have in store for those who still believe in rock. Spark one up and enjoy the trio’s sweet, fuzzy guitar sounds.