Following the success of EP 1 – Early Recordings, South African rock stalwarts The Parlotones return with the next installment in their Forgotten Songs series. EP 2 – Covers & Remixes continues their journey through hidden gems, rarities, and re-imagined classics that offer fans an intimate look into the band’s creative explorations.
Building upon EP 1, which took listeners back to the band’s early days with unreleased tracks and fan favourites, EP 2 – Covers & Remixes presents a fresh twist. This collection features The Parlotones’ distinctive interpretations of classics by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan, along with re-imagined remixes of their own songs.
Iconic Covers with a Parlotones Twist
The idea for the covers came from a chance encounter in New York with a South African music industry veteran specializing in synchronizing music for film and television. As Kahn Morbee, the band’s lead vocalist, explains, “He suggested that covering classics in our own style might be a gateway into getting sync traction. We tried everything from The Beatles to Bob Dylan, though ironically, none of them landed sync deals. Instead, many of our originals found their way onto screens locally and abroad!”
Guitarist Paul Hodgson reflects on the inspiration behind the song choices, noting that each cover holds personal significance for the band members. “Theo [Crous] suggested Burning Love because he’s a huge Elvis fan, while Come Together was a natural choice given our collective love for The Beatles. And Dylan? That might have been inspired by our former label rep Danny De Wet, a huge fan himself,” he laughs. The band’s approach was to keep these iconic tracks recognizable yet infused with the unmistakable Parlotones sound, letting their unique style shine without straying too far from the originals.
Watch the Lyric Video for “Burning Love” here
Dance Remixes: An Unlikely Experiment
In addition to covers, EP 2 showcases remixes that reveal the band’s foray into dance music, inspired by a tour with British band Starsailor. Kahn elaborates, “Starsailor had a big hit thanks to a remix that took off in the European dance scene. We thought, why not try it ourselves?” With input from keyboardist Rob Davidson and the band’s guitarist Theo Crous, The Parlotones created dance versions of I’m Only Human and Should We Fight Back. While these remixes didn’t make waves in clubs, they represent the band’s willingness to experiment, putting their rock roots in “dance shoes” for the fun of it.
Paul Hodgson notes, “We didn’t set out to change the songs entirely; rather, we aimed to amplify the energy while remaining true to their original vibe. It was an enjoyable challenge, and Theo’s production skills helped bring these remixes to life.”
Reflections on Forgotten Songs: EP 2
For The Parlotones, EP 2 embodies a philosophy of resilience and self-expression. “This series is about experimentation and embracing both the successes and the ‘ugly ducklings,’” says Kahn. “Music is subjective; not every song needs to be a ‘swan’ to hold meaning. It’s all about keeping the creative process alive, no matter the outcome.”
As with EP 1, the Forgotten Songs series is an invitation to fans to rediscover The Parlotones’ roots, relive rare moments from the band’s journey, and experience music that exists outside the mainstream narrative. Through EP 2, the band shares songs and sounds that may not have hit the airwaves but remain integral to their evolution.
Track list for Forgotten Songs: EP 2 – Covers & Remixes:
- Burning Love (Elvis Presley Cover)
- Come Together (The Beatles Cover)
- The Times They Are A-Changin’ (Bob Dylan Cover)
- Should We Fight Back? (Remix)
- I’m Only Human (Remix)
Stream ‘EP 2 – Covers & Remixes’ HERE
With EP 2, The Parlotones continue to honour their legacy and creative spirit, paying homage to music legends while stepping into uncharted territory with dance-infused renditions of their own songs. As the series unfolds, each new EP will serve as a testament to the band’s journey, courage, and dedication to artistic exploration.
The Parlotones invite fans to join them on this path, as they unearth their history and reinterpret it in ways both familiar and unexpected.
Local fans will also be excited to hear that The Parlotones will be on tour this December along Eastern and Western Cape, so enjoy your summer holidays to sounds of The Parlotones live on these dates:
15 Dec: Paul Cluver, Grabouw – Paul Cluver Estate Wines, N2, Kromco Turn off, De Rust Estate, Grabouw, 7160 – https://theparlotones.co.za/#
16 Dec: Bush Lapa, George – Bush Lapa @ Herolds Bay Eco Resort, Oubaai Road, George, 6530
Buy tickets here: Webtickets – Bush Lapa Desember 2024 Konsertreeks
17 Dec: Stanford Hills, Stanford – Weltevrede Farm, Stanford, 7210
Book tickets for The Parlotones Live at Stanford Hills Estate
18 Dec: St Francis Brewery, St Francis Bay – 171 St Francis Dr, St Francis Bay, 6312
Book tickets for The Parlotones @ St Francis Brewery
19 Dec: The Music Kitchen, Gqeberha – 69 Mangold St, Newton Park, Gqeberha, 6001
Buy tickets here: PARLOTONES live at The Music Kitchen 19th Dec 2024 tickets on Thursday Dec 19 | Music Kitchen | FIXR
20 Dec: Reed Valley, Mossel Bay – ReedValley Wines, Mossel Bay, 6500
Buy tickets here: ReedValley Online Ticket Sales
21 Dec: Get Lucky Summer, Constantia – Constantia Sports Fields
Buy tickets here: Get Lucky Summer Constantia (ft. GoodLuck & The Parlotones) Cape Town | Howler
22 Dec: Moss & Maple Plettenberg Bay – FARM 541 CRAGSVIEW, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
Buy tickets here: Tickets for THE PARLOTONES – Moss & Maple, Plett – 22 December in Plettenberg Bay from Tixsa
23 Dec: 34 Waenhout, Knysna – 34 Waenhout Avenue, Knysna Industrial, Knysna, 6571
Book tickets for The Parlotones LIVE in Knysna
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