Where the troupe’s earlier work was highly influenced by Brit pop, this record has that patriotic feel to it, pulling from Americana and alternative rock and paying homage to bands like Weezer and They Might Be Giants. But even with apparent influences, The Parlotones make this album their own. JTTS begins with “Freak Show,” a short, minute-and-a-half long a capella intro that highlights the pipes on each member of the band. From there, the foursome leaps into “Soul and Body,” a straightforward, catchy alternative rock track that could be played on any major US rock station.

The album continues in this direction, with swelling, anthemic tracks that prove it’s just a matter of time before The Parlotones grabs the attention it deserves in the US. And although the instrumentation is solid throughout, the highlight of the album is vocalist/guitarist Kahn Morbee’s voice. He can hit any note in his baritone range but can also seduce his listener with a smooth, breathtaking falsetto (“Save Your Best Bits,” “Sweet as a Stolen Kiss,” “Sing You to Sleep,”) that is reminiscent of Muse’s crooner, Matthew Bellamy. Another high point in the album is the band’s experimentation with Americana. Morbee flawlessly adds a hint of twang to his voice as a slew of acoustic guitars strum behind him in “Down by the Lake, “ and slide guitars accompany acoustic instrumentation in the album’s closer, “Suitcase For a Home.”

The Parlotones are meant to play in stadiums, and this record may give it that push to reach the American masses. Journey Through The Shadows is set for a May 8^th release in the U.S. via Sovereign Entertainment. The Parlotones will embark on a North American tour shortly thereafter. Click here to pre-order the album.

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