Los Angeles - Niklas Kramer is a Berlin-based artist, who performs under the moniker Still Parade. On June 10th, Still Parade is set to release his ten-song debut, Concrete Vision. He first hit the scene a few years back with the Fields EP and its mesmerizing single. “Actors.” The release was recorded in well-equipped professional studios, with seasoned producers. Then, in 2014, his father bought him a tape machine, and he began experimenting with particular sounds and recording techniques in his Berlin apartment, soon discovering he favored what he could accomplish in his small bedroom. How does this translate for his debut? Well, the results speak volumes as Kramer has crafted a dreamy, lax sound with beaming synths and drum beats, with exquisite pop melodies. The stunning record is chillwave heaven, as it stirs up summer vibes and nostalgia. There’s a burst of beauty at every corner as you navigate through the record. Concrete Vision is immaculate, breathtaking, and elegant… but it walks a fine line between an ethereal bedroom-pop endeavor and an essential poolside album, leaving you in the quandary of where and how to experience this masterpiece.
Still Parade starts things off with the spacey, two-minute track “Seasons.” The lyrics trail off around one minute, leaving the listener with a swirling, trance-like gem. Up next is the beautiful single “Walk in the Park.” It’s an explosion of summer with Kramer’s whispery vocals and lovely melodies, leaving you lost in a sweet daydream. It’s wondrous! Kramer delicately recites the lines, “Why don’t we take a walk in the park / There’s nothing like a walk in the park.” It’s directed to a loved one, in the attempt to find solace amidst chaotic times, with a simple stroll through the park being perfect and rather divine. The title track, “Concrete Vision,” is rich with vibrant synths and well-layered drumbeats. Keeping in form with the previous track, “Concrete Vision” displays dreamy guitars and a warm melody. “Let Go” is full of heavenly arrangements, leaving listeners to reflect upon life’s circumstances. Shimmering synths and delicate melodies are explored in the soundscapes of “7:41.” The track is another perky, sugary-psych effort, that charms the listener.
“Morning Light” is a lo-fi, dream-funk, psych-pop adventure that resembles the likes of Unknown Mortal Orchestra. However, Still Parade is creative enough to go beyond carbon copies of other contemporary artists. The work here is serene, relaxed, and wistful. It’s definitely one of the stronger tracks… though, every track in Concrete Vision is marvelous. “True Love” is a lush, painfully gorgeous track. Clocking it at over five minutes, it has the longest running time of the ten tunes, and it is undeniably enchanting. “True Love” easily could be deemed Still Parade’s masterpiece! The album closes with “Reason.” It is reminiscent of Wild Nothing – dreamy and teeming with gleaming guitars – but Kramer’s delicate vocals make it all his own.
Still Parade’s debut is cohesive, inventive, and all around beautiful. There are songs that go slightly off the beaten path, while others stay the course, but this isn’t to say they’re a repeat of something you’ve heard before. Concrete Vision is worth immersing yourself in, as there isn’t a road Still Parade goes down that’s not worth exploring… and who knows, what you find inside your mind just might surprise you!
Concrete Vision is out June 10th via Lefse Records and can be purchased on vinyl or for digital download. Check out Still Parade on Facebook for more information on upcoming shows and festival performances throughout Europe.
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Photo Credit: Tonje Thilesen
Sean Kayden
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