Ball of Wax 55 Songs: Guest Directors – “Parachute On”

“Parachute On” is the first song (and kind of the title track) on Guest Directors‘ new EP Dream the Currents – their third in as many years. I’m not sure how I’ve missed this group until now, but I’m glad they reached out (just slightly past our deadline) to share this border-themed song. Guest Directors – at least on this track – occupies an interesting space between (or inclusive of) shoegaze and power pop. The song starts with a fairly straightforward verse/chorus arrangement, with singer/guitarist Julie D’s vocals both understated and commanding, her guitar and Gary Thorstensen’s intertwining playfully yet intentionally. (None of that tired rhythm/lead dichotomy for Guest Directors.) The rhythm section of Rian Turner and Charlie Russo provide the perfect support system to keep this sonic parachute aloft. After two verses, the entire second half of the song is given over to a mostly instrumental coda, the guitars further winding themselves up and releasing tension, building and folding in on themselves before the whole band comes crashing down together in a carefully controlled detonation. I can only imagine how delightful this joyous noise is live; I look forward to seeing for myself.