Label 51 Vinyl & CDs

Review: Rain Parade's 1985 release marks a defining moment in the band's journey, offering a blend of jangly guitars and psychedelia-laced textures that epitomise the era's alt-rock tendencies. Hailing from Los Angeles, the band delivers a turbulent mix of influences, ranging from the baroque to the brittle, with a certain disjointedness that reflects their internal struggles. The production, led by Steve Gronback, offers a spacious sound that gives space to the atmospheric instrumentation, but the lack of cohesion leaves some tracks feeling as though they're searching for a purpose. Highlights like 'Depending on You' showcase the band's potential, but the overall effect is one of a group caught in transition, unsure of where they're headed. Tracks such as 'Mystic Green' and 'Gone West' encapsulate this feeling of aimless wandering, while 'Invisible People' stands out as an example of the band's unique blend of folk and psychedelia. Though compelling in parts, this album never fully realises its promise.