This time, she didn’t let another nine years pass: Tess Parks returns with her third album, Pomegranate (Fuzz Club / Hand Drawn Dracula), just two years after And Those Who Were Seen Dancing.
After a dark period in which Parks contemplated ending her musical career, she came back stronger in 2022. That last album had a bit of a solitary feel, rooted more in bedroom pop—a vibe Parks has kept, even as her production has grown more expansive.
Collaborator Ruari Meehan was more involved in the creation process this time, supported by a steady backbone of Francesco Perini and Marco Ninni. Then there’s a host of other guests adding subtle whistles, bleeps, and flickers, though they keep things restrained, mirroring the album’s gentle nature.
Parks breathes over mellow soundscapes with a light psychedelic touch. Occasionally, she rests on electronic layers, like in the shimmering closer, “Surround.”
Otherwise, there’s not much variation. A gritty rock number could have added some edge. If we learned anything from her work with Anton Newcombe, it’s that she pairs well with drifting psych rock, as hinted in “Charlie Potato.” Still, it’s a lovely album, perfect for a Sunday morning, with “Sunnyside” as its soft, standout highlight.
Tess Parks – Pomegranate: A harmlessly soothing dose of psych pop. – RIFL
