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 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 familiar Boyz2Men brand Gospel-flavored sugar pop track (complete with finger snaps). "That's How He Hurt His Hands" offers another misleading guitar intro, while the title track begs to be a pop/rock gem similar to Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys, Jars of Clay, or Mukala, but falls a bit short. 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 their signature three-part harmonies. I'm not sure how well all of this flows together, as I can understand what they're trying for, 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" return 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.

When all is said and done, 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 like it would. I'd definitely like to see more experimentation with their vocal styles, straying further from the overplayed and redundant boy band sound. Until then, there's always Parade.

- Review date: 12/7/02, written by John DiBiase