The National Parks – Time
Song Review by Jessica Frey
I have just been introduced to a folk-influenced indie pop band out of Utah, The National Parks, with the release of their new single “Time”. Perhaps I’m behind the times and you, reader, are far more versed in this band. I’m glad to “be in the know” now since I desperately need to freshen up my playlist lately and this feels like exactly what I needed. Time is the second single off of Wildflower, The National Parks fourth album.
“Time” is a fun yet smooth Indie song that would seem to evoke the likes of the Lumineers, The Head and the Heart or early 70’s Van Morrison. This song is full of hope and possibilities. Listening to this track is like the first cup of coffee on a cool morning warming and waking me up, urging me to face the world. I found myself wanting for more and I sought out their title track “Wildflower” From the harmonic intro and the build of the guitars and drums, I was instantly intrigued. The vocals are smooth, familiar yet, new at the same time. It is the type of music I would love to see live at an outdoor venue sitting on a blanket with a cocktail and good company. This is a chill summer song and as it currently is snowing in late April as I write this, I feel a longing for the experience I am envisioning.
“‘Time’ was one of the first songs I wrote for this album and was the first one we took to the studio to record,” shares lead vocalist/guitarist Brady Parks. “In a lot of ways, ‘Time’ was a catalyst for the rest of the album and sparked us creatively. It was also a reminder for us that we all go through dark times, life is full of ups and downs and 
sometimes the places we want to go can seem out of reach, but we can make it through. Sometimes it just takes hard work, patience, faith and time to make it where you want to go. We felt like this message was portrayed so well in the music video as we spent a lot of time looking for the buried treasure and when we finally found it, we weren’t going to let the moment pass us by. Life is about getting through the trials, seizing the good moments and running with it. We know there is a lot of heartache, unrest and confusion in the world right now, and we hope this song can be a beacon of light and a reminder to everyone that we will make it through. Better days are ahead and together we got this.”
For me, this is one of those bands where I can’t wait to dive into their entire collection and submerse myself.The album comes out June 19th and if the current pandemic allows, perhaps I can catch them live this summer at an outdoor venue nearby. Until then, I think I’ll check out their podcast leading up to the release discussing each of the 15 songs on the album and get my fix.
– Jessica
The National Parks will officially celebrate the release of Wildflower this summer when they headline their own curated festival experience called Superbloom Music Festival.The first-ever event comes to life Saturday, August 15th at The OC Tanner Amphitheater at Zion National Park featuring performances from Joshua James, The Strike, Tow’rs, The Federal Empire, Ellee Duke and Brother.
WILDFLOWER TRACK LISTING
Superbloom
Wildflower
Time
Waiting For Lightning
Blue Moonlight
War Cry
Mother Nature
Horizon
Daze
Chance
Painted Sky
I Can Feel It
Forever
Mad Men
Many Moons
For More On The National Parks, Visit:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER |