THE PARKAS were raised on British Invasion records, schooled on
Northern Ontario dirt roads, and baptized in an undercurrent of
Stax Voltage. As full grown men, they play a combination of country,
popular, and blues music called Rock and Roll.
The electrical throwdown that is the Parkas’ live show has allowed
them to hold their ground with other Canadian up-and-comers like
the Dears, the Constantines, the Heavy Blinkers, Radiogram, and
Hot Hot Heat. These performances quickly garnered festival slots
and attention from independent labels. It was after a sold out show
at the 2003 North By NorthEast Festival, that the Parkas signed to
Endearing Records, and soon after, released their debut full length
album.
Recorded in Andy Magoffin’s House of Miracles, NOW THIS IS FIGHTING
combines sweet soul harmony, country pathos, and rock
androll swagger. CBC Radio 3 called it "one of this year’s biggest
debut surprises," while Chart Magazine declared that the Parkas
were "seemingly out to rescue not only the pop beast, but the
entire kingdom."
By the end of 2003, the Parkas have toured across Canada with
appearances at the Halifax Pop Explosion, Canadian Music Week,
North By North East, and Pop Montreal under their belts, in addition
to a live studio performance on CBC Radio in Vancouver. NOW THIS
IS FIGHTING has cracked the Top 10 on the !earshot National
Campus Chart, and made multiple "Best Of" lists in both local and
national publications. The positive responses from the critics,
crowds, and clubs has allowed the Parkas to quit their day jobs and
hit the road full-time.
Contrary to popular belief, the Parkas are not here to save the life
of Rock and Roll music, they are simply the inheritors of their forefathers
beat and sound. Like good sons, they offer themselves as the
pallbearers of pop. They’ll be playing the funeral all night long. Turn
up the eulogy.