Some bands are rooted as a job. Take Kiss for example. Half the members of the original line up joined after responding to an advert in Rolling Stone. Essentially, applying for a job. Other bands are formed as friendships that slowly progress into something more substantial. Proud Parents are in the latter category.
After a decade of friendship and playing together in Madison, Wisconsin, guitarists and vocalists Claire Nelson-Lifson and Tyler Fassnacht began writing what would be the first Proud Parents hits. Two records later and a complete line up including bassist Maggie Denman and drummer and vocalist Heather Sawyer and they’ve returned to Madison via Dirtnap Records. The first Madison based band to land on Dirtnap Records for nearly two decades, and being a label that’s broken bands like Mean Jeans, Marsha, Mind Spiders to name a few, it surely must be a case of Home, Sweet Home for Proud Parents and their self-titled release.
Opening with the rip-roaring ‘Proud Parents’, the band show their knack for creating melodies and a summery vibe that remains throughout the record. With plenty of harmonies and ‘ooohs’ throughout the track, it sets a precedent of what to expect. Exceptionally tight, feel-good songs with a hint of cynical humour. With a slow reprise closing the album, they’re able to show their flexibility and sincerity.
With the vocal duties bouncing between Nelson-Lifson, Fassnacht and Sawyer, the listener is constantly kept on their toes. While some tracks sound like they’ve come straight from Plumtree, others seem to take cues from The Babies. Regardless of who they sound like, there’s a dynamism from the vocalists that allows them to intertwine creating multiple harmonies.
While ‘Hypnotoad’, the lead single, may be a subtle nod to Futurama, contextually it’s about the monotony of overthinking about past relationships. With more ‘ooohs’ than a tin of spaghetti hoops, it’s effervescently buoyant, brimming with positive melodies to detract from the sombre lyrics.
While the Fassnacht led track ‘Ducktales’ is an upbeat yet reflective romp about growing up and moving on, ‘Flavordust’ is a saccharine sweet ode to standing by your friends. Propped up by jangling guitars and pounding bass riffs throughout, there’s a fluidity throughout that powers you through the record. Clocking in at only thirty three minutes, it’s a swift but uplifting listen.
Effortlessly cool, Proud Parents have managed to create wondrously infections songs. Despite some tracks focusing on anxiety, loss and moving on, the record never loses sight of its main point. Friendship is all important. Friends will stick with you and support you when you need it. Be proud of each other. Because Proud Parents are proud of you.
ANDY JOICE