It’s not often that we feature artists from the former Soviet Union or its satellite countries, and it is less frequent that we catch wind of bands from the former East Germany, especially those who can say they were around when it still existed as a separate entity from the rest of Germany. Today that day has come where we can introduce you to the musical offerings of Para Lia, an alternative pop-rock duo on the verge of releasing their new album ‘Gone With The Flow’ on vinyl and CD.
Of significance to the theme we began with, the digital version was released on October 2, perfectly timed to sync with the anniversary of Germany reunification, a rather significant occasion for a band hailing from this Eastern part of a then-divided Germany. In celebration of their album release, the band also presented a joint virtual exhibition with artist Louis Renzoni.
‘Gone With The Flow’ is the band’s second album and title of a new online mixed art exhibition. With 11 new tracks on offer, its core themes are the muse and the continual struggle with that relationship, explored amidst layers of sound and arrangements that continually swing from light to dark.
Originally from Falkenberg, Para Lia is an indie rock duo, now based in Cottbus (near Berlin). Influenced by the rhythms and tones of ‘90s alt-rock and the synth density of ‘80s darkwave, their own sound blends melodic guitars, along with distinctive lead guitar and resonant synths.
Comprised of René Methner (all instruments and vocals) and Cindy Methner (backing vocals), their band name was born of their love for Greece, with para lia, (παραλία) meaning “coast” or “beach” in Greek – a name full of mystery but optimism, which both has history and evokes a balance of the masculine and feminine.
Para Lia burst onto the underground music scene with their widely-praised debut album ‘Soap Bubble Dreams’ and ‘Hawk Hill’ EP in 2019, the band ‘s music has garnering comparisons ranging from J Mascis, The Cure, Phillip Boa and the Voodoo Club and Arcade Fire to The Mission, The Last Shadow Puppets, Sebadoh and Editors.
Methner’s conversations with artist Louis Renzoni blossomed into not only a friendship, but also a mixed art exhibition. Originally destined for a New York gallery until the global pandemic took hold, their collaborative virtual exhibition is a celebration of their work, the release of brand new music, complemented by Renzoni’s artwork. An immersive experience, each exhibit is fully interactive.
As of February 12, the ‘Gone With The Flow’ LP will be available on vinyl, CD and digitally – via Bandcamp at https://paralia.bandcamp.com/album/gone-with-the-flow. It can also be found on Spotify and Apple Music. It can also be beautifully explored through the Para Lia / Louis Renzoni virtual exhibition at www.sophisticatedape.com/gone-with-the-flow-exhibition
CREDITS
Lyrics and music by René Methner
Mixed and produced by René Methner
Mastered by Thomas Heimann-Trosien at Turnstyle Mastering, Berlin
Cover artwork by Louis Renzoni
Cover design by John Farley, SPR Designs
René Methner – lyrics and music, vocals, all instruments
Cindy Methner – vocals
Amanda Kim Sanderson (UK) – vocals on ‘Riders On The Dike’,
Fady Haddad (USA) – synth and vocals on ‘Children Of The Flood’, synth on ‘Fire (My Chemical Imbalance),
Terry Wigmore (CAN) – cello on ‘Fools’
Keep up with Para Lia
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