Artist Info:Discography Album length: 11 tracks: 42 minutes, 11 seconds Street Date: December 17, 2002
In 2001, Go Fish debuted nationally on Inpop records with their debut record Infectious. While
their sound wasn't exactly as the title might suggest, it was obvious the trio was talented. Bordering on
a being a "boy band," their pop melodies were notable but weren't enough to really bring together a full album
of memorable, addictive songs. With their sophomore effort Parade, Go Fish offers the next chapter
in their musical venture.
Parade opens with an interesting yet misleading string arrangement before the bass-laden
and funky pop sound of "Alright" enters in. Their sound is notably more upbeat than their last project
but they still maintain the three-part harmonies and pop vocals. The humorous lyrics are an appreciated attempt,
especially when they sing "Another boy band - not a chance," considering their harmonies and vocal style fall into
that category. "Ask" opens with a promising rhythm before giving way to a 4Him-reminiscent radio pop tune.
"Savior" begins in almost complete acapella before turning into a typical Boyz2Men brand Gospel-flavored sugar pop track (complete finger
snaps). "That's How He Hurt His Hands" offers another misleading guitar intro while the title track begs to
be pop/rock gem done best by Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys, Jars of Clay, or Mukala, but falls short of the more elite
artists. However, "Parade" is one of the better tracks on the project nonetheless.
"Please Please Like Me" fakes out the listener once more with a more edgy rock intro that yearns to continue
but regretfully disappears too quickly. The rhythm reappears for a simplistic chorus accompanied by thumping
drums, turntable scratches, and of course the three-part harmony. I'm not sure how well all of this flows together,
as I can understand where they're going, but the harmony just feels out of place among the pop/rock backdrop.
"Piece of Heaven" picks up where "Savior" left off while the scratches and pop/rock of "Please Please" returns
for "Perfect Love" and the sarcastic and funky "Chrome Fish" which features an appreciated bass groove. The highlight
of the album is actually the untitled hidden track about a kid burning a lady bug with a magnifying glass. The lyrics
are hilarious and the sound appropriate. Sadly, the gem runs a tad short and clocks in at just over 2 minutes.
Parade is a decent pop album but tends to fall a little short in lyrical depth or complex arrangements.
The styles are often schizophrenic and sometimes the experimentation doesn't work as well as it might have seemed.
I'd definitely like to see more experimentation with their vocal styles, straying from the overplayed and redundant
boy band sound. Until then, there's Parade.
- Review date: 12/7/02, written by J.D.
Record Label:Inpop Records Album length: 11 tracks, 42 minutes and 11 seconds
Street Date: December 17, 2002
Record Label: 
