Arliss Parker
Arliss Parker
Arliss Parker evolved as the solo project of Chris Parker in 2006. Chris moved from Colorado to New York in the fall of 2006 with an arsenal of musical ideas. He converted an abandoned dark room into a recording studio and started adding a wide array of sounds to his acoustic guitar compositions. Toy keyboards, glockenspiels, random percussive instruments and electronic tones found their way into the mix and Arliss Parker was born.
Between 2006 and 2007, Chris recorded, mixed and mastered dozens of compositions in that home studio. He whittled the offerings down to six tracks and made a few demos. In 2008, DAG! Records teamed up with Arliss Parker to introduce Handsome like a Lion to the world. The album is a mix of experimental folk rock and electronica that hopes to get you lost in thought.
Arliss Parker is now performing live with the help of musicians Brendan Beecy and Peter Naddeo.
Discography
Handsome Like a Lion
NPR, Second Stage
"…Handsome Like a Lion offers a brief escape from the real world. And without any lyrics to interpret, each song’s setting can be decided upon by the listener. So while the digital pitter-patters of the EP's loveliest song, 'Taken to Antrim,' can conjure up the warmth of a summer picnic, it can just as easily evoke raindrops on an autumn day."
Purchase on:
Videos
Fax Receives A Letter/Besos
In the Press
Have You Heard
"Even if you aren’t into instrumental music as much, these songs will keep and hold your interest, especially 'Besos' with its rhythmic acoustic guitars, its simple, yet uplifting drum beats, the soaring lead guitar part…all of the instruments are layered upon each other in perfect harmony. There’s also the heartbreakingly reflective 'She Smiles While She Sleeps' that says so much without, of course, using words. Again, in this song, as on the whole EP all of the instruments compliment each other so well, as Arliss Parker blends the old and the new, acoustic folk music and electronic beats and keyboards. My only complaint is that it was too short, and I was disappointed when it was over. But I guess a good EP will always leave you wanting more. If you like Sigur Ros or El Ten Eleven, you will definitely love Arliss Parker (or if you enjoy thought-provoking music or songs that sound like autumn)."
Viva Indie Rock
"Usually I am not drawn in by all instrumental music, but there is something about the quiet beauty of Arliss Parker's Handome Like A Lion that speaks to me...I don't think I have the words to properly explain the contemplative tone of the music. Listen to the tracks...and see if you don't find yourself lost in thought, wondering how your life got so off track, why you aren't the person you always wanted to be, and what you can do to make your future better."