The Parlotones, one of South Africa’s most beloved rock bands, are excited to announce the release of a series of EPs titled ‘Forgotten Songs’. This series will see the band delve into their rich history, unveiling a collection of early recordings, covers, demo songs, previously unreleased music, and new recordings. Over the coming months, fans will be treated to four unique EPs, each with its own theme, offering an intimate look into the band’s journey.
The first EP, ‘EP 1 – Early Recordings’, releases today and promises to transport fans back to the inception of The Parlotones. This EP is particularly special as it includes tracks from the band’s very first release, the ‘Superstars’ EP, which has never been available on digital platforms. In addition, it features two unreleased songs that were recorded during the same period.
EP 1 – Early Recordings: A Nostalgic Journey
‘EP 1’ consists of six tracks, four of which come from the original ‘Superstars’ EP. This EP, recorded at B Sharp Studios, was a pivotal moment for the band, marking their first official release. Produced with the help of Martin Schofield from Wonderboom and John Boyd, this project set the foundation for their future success. John Boyd later joined the band temporarily, contributing to songs on their albums “Episoda” and “Radio Controlled Robot” with his Roland 303 Groovebox.
The tracklist for ‘EP 1 – Early Recordings’ is as follows:
- Shine
- Stare at the Sun
- Ghosts
- Superstars
- Butterfly
- For Heaven’s Sake
These six tracks not only highlight the band’s early sound but also include two songs, ‘For Heaven’s Sake’ and ‘Butterfly’, which were recorded after winning a day in the SABC studios but were never released—until now.
Stream ‘EP 1 – Early Recordings’ HERE
A Message from the Band
Kahn Morbee, the band’s lead vocalist, expressed the significance of these releases: “We felt like it would be a waste to just have these songs sitting on a hard drive in a box somewhere and thought why not share them. It’s a part of our history and musical journey.”
The Beginnings of The Parlotones
The Parlotones’ story began in 1998 when Kahn Morbee and Neil Pauw met through mutual friends. Kahn, an aspiring songwriter, was looking to start a band. Neil, who had recently acquired a drum kit through his father’s artwork transaction, joined him. Shortly after, Neil invited his friend Paul Hodgson to play guitar. Paul’s younger brother Glen insisted on joining them as a bass guitarist, despite not owning or having played the instrument before.
This initial lineup enjoyed their time together, practicing regularly and writing music. They underwent several name changes, from Crayon to finally settling on The Parlotones, inspired by Parlophone Records, home to many of their musical idols such as The Beatles, Radiohead, Morrissey, and Coldplay.
Despite lineup changes over the years, including Glen leaving to focus on school exams, the core trio of Kahn, Neil, and Paul continued to make music. Glen’s eventual return to incorporate his piano skills added a new dimension to their sound, which became a staple in their music.
Reflecting on his early days with the band, Glen Hodgson shared, “I started piano in grade 1. Only did it because I liked a girl.”
A Walk Down Memory Lane
The ‘Forgotten Songs’ EP series is not just a collection of tracks but a journey through the band’s rehearsal rooms, studios, and the moments that shaped their career. Fans old and new will enjoy this nostalgic trip, offering a deeper understanding of the band beyond the albums that brought them fame.
SA fans will also be excited to hear that The Parlotones will be performing at 2 exclusive live shows at the end of July. Dates are as follows:
Saturday 27 July – Johannesburg – Details and tickets HERE
Sunday 28 July – Durban – Details and tickets HERE
Stay tuned for more releases from the series in the coming months as The Parlotones continue to share their untold stories through music.
Follow THE PARLOTONES:
Photo credit: Jaco Bothma
