Parasites

Rat Ass Pie (Go-Kart)
by Scott Hefflon

Parasites are one of those bands most of us into melodic punk would list as a damn fine band if the list were a little longer. They’re so low-key, they don’t spring instantly to mind like Descendents, Screeching Weasel, The Queers, or any of the many Ramones-based, Bad Religion-based bands you may’ve taken a liking to. While coming from the simpler side (call ’em “straight-ahead” if you think it more complimentary) of punkpop, the Parasites don’t overwhelm the senses with giant production, roomfuls of harmonies, and every other trick in the book. It’s just nice music. Pleasant. Like an unobtrusive cool breeze you bask in, but don’t really think about. The paces are as peppy as everyone else’s, they just seem more laid back. Perhaps it’s the production, courtesy of Mass Giorgini at Sonic Iguana, but it musta been a conscious decision cuz he’s done over-the-top sound for Teen Idols, Squirtgun, SW (old and new), Riverdales, and many, many others. Parasites are punk for a lazy summer day without a care in the world.
(PO Box 20 Prince St. Station New York, NY 10012)