Concrete Vision, the much-anticipated debut album by Still Parade, is released worldwide today.
Still Parade, aka Niklas Kramer, has garnered huge support since he became the, not quite “darling”, but perhaps the “alluring Femme Fatale” of Hype Machine. A change in direction from 2014’s Fields EP, there is a softness and warmth to the songs on Concrete Vision. The influences on display here are not always easy to decipher, with Kramer citing Todd Rundgren and Crosby, Stills & Nash as massive inspirations – but this is no mere testament to the past – the woozy production and ability to deftly marry various genres – hints at a forward-thinking and prodigious talent.
Kramer become interested in experimenting with new recording techniques after receiving a tape recorder as a gift from his father. While his previous output had all been recorded within fully equipped, professional studios, with experienced producers, he was now realising he preferred the sound he was able to generate on his own, in his tiny Berlin apartment.
There is a softness and warmth to the songs on Concrete Vision. Kramer’s demeanor in person is completely at odds with his on-stage persona. He is a shy, reserved character, but that all falls by the wayside when he goes onstage. The performer in him does not take long to come to the fore.
Concrete Vision is available now on limited edition cream LP and CD.
