Following the success of EP 1 – Early Recordings, South African rock stalwarts The Parlotones return with the next installment in their Forgotten Songs series. EP 2 – Covers & Remixes continues their journey through hidden gems, rarities, and re-imagined classics that offer fans an intimate look into the band’s creative explorations.
Building upon EP 1, which took listeners back to the band’s early days with unreleased tracks and fan favourites, EP 2 – Covers & Remixes presents a fresh twist. This collection features The Parlotones’ distinctive interpretations of classics by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan, along with re-imagined remixes of their own songs.
Iconic Covers with a Parlotones Twist
The idea for the covers came from a chance encounter in New York with a South African music industry veteran specializing in synchronizing music for film and television.
As Kahn Morbee, the band’s lead vocalist, explains, “He suggested that covering classics in our own style might be a gateway into getting sync traction. We tried everything from The Beatles to Bob Dylan, though ironically, none of them landed sync deals. Instead, many of our originals found their way onto screens locally and abroad!”
Guitarist Paul Hodgson reflects on the inspiration behind the song choices, noting that each cover holds personal significance for the band members “Theo [Crous] suggested Burning Love because he’s a huge Elvis fan, while Come Together was a natural choice given our collective love for The Beatles. And Dylan? That might have been inspired by our former label rep Danny De Wet, a huge fan himself,” he laughs.
The band’s approach was to keep these iconic tracks recognizable yet infused with the unmistakable Parlotones sound, letting their unique style shine without straying too far from the originals.
Dance Remixes: An Unlikely Experiment
In addition to covers, EP 2 showcases remixes that highlight The Parlotones’ surprising foray into dance music, inspired by their tour with British band Starsailor. Frontman Kahn explains, “Starsailor had a big hit thanks to a remix that gained traction in the European dance scene. We thought, why not try it ourselves?”
With input from keyboardist Rob Davidson and guitarist Theo Crous, The Parlotones reimagined “I’m Only Human” and “Should We Fight Back” as dance tracks. While these remixes didn’t dominate club playlists,
they reflect the band’s willingness to experiment, putting their rock roots into “dance shoes” just for fun.
Paul Hodgson adds, “We didn’t aim to completely reinvent the songs but rather to amplify their energy while staying true to their essence. It was a fun challenge, and Theo’s production skills brought these remixes to life.”
Reflections on Forgotten Songs: EP 2
For The Parlotones, EP 2 embodies a philosophy of resilience and creative expression. “This series is about experimenting and embracing both the successes and the ‘ugly ducklings,’” says Kahn.
“Music is subjective; not every song needs to be a ‘swan’ to matter. It’s about keeping the creative process alive, regardless of the outcome.”
Like EP 1, the Forgotten Songs series invites fans to rediscover The Parlotones’ roots, relive rare moments from their journey, and connect with music that exists outside the mainstream narrative. With EP 2, the band shares songs and sounds that, while perhaps overlooked, remain integral to their evolution.
The Parlotones honour their legacy and adventurous spirit through EP 2, paying tribute to music legends while boldly venturing into uncharted territory with dance-infused renditions of their own tracks. As this series unfolds, each new EP becomes a testament to the band’s journey, creativity, and courage in artistic exploration.
Fans are invited to join them on this path of rediscovery, where history is reinterpreted in ways both familiar and unexpected.
Summer Tour Dates
Local fans have even more to look forward to this December as The Parlotones tour the Eastern and Western Cape. Catch them live and make your summer unforgettable!
- 15 December 2024: Paul Cluver, Grabouw – Buy tickets here
- 16 December 2024: Bush Lapa, George – Get tickets on Webtickets
- 17 December 2024: Stanford Hills, Stanford – Book tickets for Stanford Hills
- 18 December 2024: St Francis Brewery, St Francis Bay – Tickets available here
- 19 December 2024: The Music Kitchen, Gqeberha
- 20 December 2024: Reed Valley, Mossel Bay – Get tickets online
- 21 December 2024: Get Lucky Summer, Constantia – Purchase tickets on Howler
- 22 December 2024: Moss & Maple, Plettenberg Bay – Tickets available on Tixsa
- 23 December 2024: 34 Waenhout, Knysna – Book here for Knysna
Don’t miss the chance to experience The Parlotones live this summer!
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
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