Colenso Parade

Testimonals

See what the press has to say…

AU

EP Review
“Scampering guitars, raucous percussion and winning way with a melody. From the opening of 'You just Don't know me', we were smitten. In a town full of Indie guitar slingers, Colenso Parade are quickest on the draw- smart storytellers and natural songwriters, the six tracks on To Let wear their brilliance lightly. There are no pretensions, just intuitive tunes, marrow-peircing riffs and rock steady rhythms. Hymns to young lives such as 'Sometimes it's easier to say Yes' will make believers of many, whilst 'The Impressionable Miss Reilly' sees the Omagh four-peice wrap up proceedings with irrepressible gusto.” - June 2008


BBC ATL

EP Review
“Colenso Parade are topping the bill tonight, launching their new EP, with their intelligent indie pop-rock, with something a little bit different in there as well. It's that modern British sound, based on the great music of the 60s with touches of Merseybeat in there - 'See The Smile' is a like a more laid-back The Coral, and following a dedication to their post-birthday hungover friend they batter out punky pop with bubblegum tinges. 'Something Easy' shows they're a band who your parents would approve of, then, when Mum and Dad step out of the room, do what you want them to do. It's in the vein of the contemporary London sound, the likes of The Libertines, Razorlight, and Dirty Pretty Things, but they seem to be re-interpreting the same sources rather than copying the more modern bands, and 'Loves' could easily come from Barat & co. They aren't just stuck in this style though, and are equally capable of MC5-esque garage rock or a brilliant Franz-Abba (trust me on this) hybrid with 'As Good As It Gets', with it's cracking high bass and choppy drums. Unfortunately, despite this being their EP launch, their guitarist seems to fail to understand the concept of capitalism, and may be suggesting that their music is available in exchange for potatoes, rather than cash. Something to work on for the next show perhaps, but they finish off with more good-time fun indie pop, called 'You Just Don't Know Me At All.' If you don't know them, then you're missing out.” - April 2008


NME

Student Bands
“Despite being young, these four lads from Omagh are quickly earning a reputation for great song writing and packed-out live shows. With a touch of Arctic Monkeys about 'em, they're definitely ones to watch this year.” - October 2007


Alternative Ulster

Irelands Top 40 Acts
“All the best bands start out as a gang and Colenso Parade are no different. Off-stage they might seem like a couple of naive young scallies from the sticks but don't let that fool you, on-stage they are a cocksure, swaggering indie rock beast with a raft of attitude, bagful of tunes and energy reminiscent of early Libertines or Oasis, Running out clear winners of this year's Island Art Centre Battle of the Bands, it should just be the start of an ascending arc for one of the freshest and exciting new Irish bands we've heard in years.” - September 2007


Hotpress

The Colenso Parade EP
“Theres no self indulgence from Omagh based indie-punksters Colenso Parade who's opening track "Dont Mind the Weather" hurtles out of the traps at top speed, doesn't stop til it hits the finishing line and nails everything down in 2mins and 13 seconds. "As good as it gets" is a heavier stomper with riffs a go go and singalong bits to boot. "The impressionable miss reilly" continues their irrepressible rampage with more riffage, jolly hooks and an ecentric interjection from a tin whistle. For those in need of healing after an overdose of introspective singer-songwriterhood, Colenso Parade will blow away the cobwebs.” - June 2007


Terry Whittaker

The Colenso Parade EP
“It's the build up and release of chorus that bang on your ear drums like aboriginal elders; constant, memorable and effective. Colenso have a couple of songs which could break the top 10 if a record label recognises their potential.” - May 2007


Niall Kerr

Live Performance
“The Tyrone based four piece aren’t exactly the sort of young fellas you’d introduce to your granny but you'd be mad to ignore them completely. Sure they look like nice, clean citizens (most of them) but as soon as they kick things off you know you’re in the presence of raw, unadulterated talent.” - February 2007


Alternative Ulster

The Colenso Parade EP
“Colenso Parade- A quality demo from a band brand new to AU. Their cracking ear for melody combined with a ramshackle charm reminiscent of early Libertines makes for utterly pleasent listening. You can throw in a dash of The Cure, The Clash and even a dollop of the strokes if you fancy. We've got our eye on these youngsters, and you should keep a 'ball on them too. Promising” - January 2007