Hip Parade

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Hip Parade

Background information
Also known as Myopia
Origin Glasgow, Scotland
Genre(s) Rock, Indie Pop, Dance Rock
Years active 2003–Present
Label(s) Random Disc Records
Eegit Records
Website http://www.hipparade.com
Members
Rob Shah(vocals/guitar)
Sal Shah (vocals/bass)
Kris McDines (drums/vocals)
Dave Flavell (guitar)
Former members
Jamie Campbell (harmonica)
James "Jambo" McLean(drums)


Contents

[edit] Hip Parade

Hip Parade (formally known as Myopia) are a four-piece indie/pop band from Glasgow, Scotland. Their live show has gained the band many followers across the United Kingdom helped by the bands relentless tour schedules. A few surprises are in store for those who have not yet been exposed to their “Great stage presence, and brand of dance-rock interspersed with really intelligent pop sensibilities” (leedsmusicscene.co.uk). Hip Parade play the kind of tunes that are so catchy they seem to be all chorus.

Hip Parade released their debut single Slow Me Down under the band's DIY label Random Disc Records in the UK and on 'Eegit Records' in Japan. The band have performed many of Brittan’s premiere underground venues including five appearances to date at Glasgow’s legendary King Tut's Wah Wah Hut. More recently Hip Parade played a sellout show at the ABC2 Glasgow. The band are relatively unknown at present but are steadily pushing their way into the limelight with dedicated follower at home in Glasgow as well as across the country in Aberdeen, Leeds, Manchester, London, Bristol.

Following the release of the bands debut single they have decided to release a collection of new songs on free download to thank all of their fans for buying the record. The band are currently taking a break from playing live to consentrate on writing and recording following their UK tour in October 2006.

[edit] Reviews

Music sample:


[edit] Shoot To Kill Magazine by (PB)

29th June 2005

Hip Parade (Myopia) @ King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

Surprisingly, despite being one of Glasgow hardest working bands and already with a couple of UK tours under their belt, Glasweigian 5 piece Hip Parade (formally Myopia) have never graced the hallowed boards of King Tut's before. Tonight sees them take to the stage with two other Tut's debutants, The [Broken Dolls] and Fade.

Fronted by brothers Rob and Sal Shah (who were at the front of the queue when rock 'n' roll names were being given out) the band have previously supported The Others, Puressence and Regurgitator and, taking to the stage, their live experience and confidence is evident.

Rob Shah (Hip Parade). King Tuts, Glasgow
Enlarge
Rob Shah (Hip Parade). King Tuts, Glasgow

They kick off with recent Andy McGregor (Blind Pew, Dogs Die in Hot Cars) produced download single 'She Says', available from iTunes, Sony Connect and Napster. It's fresh and direct, a great song with some spectacular moothie playing by Jamie Campbell that gives it a flavour reminiscent of Oasis's 'Round Are Way'. New song 'Already There' is so new it Rob takes a while to remember the title. Its not as impressive, but the harmonica and drums lift it from otherwise being instantly forgettable. Maybe it's a grower. 'Be Real' has some genuine hair on the back of the neck moments with brilliant melodies and chord changes that bring to mind Ryan Adams at his most heartfelt. On 'Enclosure' Sal takes over on lead vocal duties, and a bone-rattling roar it is too. The song is a real stormer that suffers from slightly hackneyed lyrics ("Everybody Rock and Roll!") but is delivered with such passion and sincerity that it matters little and fills a hole you never even knew existed. The final chord crashes out into a drum solo from 18 year old baby of the group Kris McDines. He may be the youngest but is clearly one of the most talented in the band, battering the toms with his bare hands and throwing out jazzy fills with ease that sound like they have been lifted straight from Cream's Ginger Baker's behemoth epic 'Toad'. As well as aping drum heroes of days gone by, his look and style is very similar to Travis ex of Blink 182 Not only do Hip Parade put on a blistering performance, they are also one of the most photogenic bands I've seen for a while, each one of them oozing rock and roll cool from every pore. They have a ready-packaged look that, coupled with their top notch songwriting, should win them brownie points with any interested A&R people. The tub thumping seamlessly slides into the band's traditional crowd pleasing set closer, 'Dance Floor'. The song is a dance rock classic in the making whose thumping bass and choo-choo train hi hats gives The Music a real run for their money. Tonight the song doesn't seem to gel as assuredly as it has on previous performances but it still gives headliners The Broken Dolls something to live up to. Talking to Rob later on he said "I can't believe we were up there for half and hour, it felt like 5 minutes. It was the first time we'd played Tut's and I don't think we disappointed. We've played everywhere else in Glasgow so it's good to complete the set at last. We're playing here again in couple of months, if tongiht is anything to go by, it will be fuckin' rockin!" It's hard to disagree. Visit http://www.hipparade.com for more information.

[edit] LeedsMusicScene by Laurence Budd

Wednesday, 7th September 2005

Hip Parade + Ajanta + 9Volt Shot @ New Roscoe, Leeds.

An evening of contrasts at the New Roscoe was enjoyed by a pleasantly sizable crowd - given that it was a Wednesday night and clashed with the nation's prima donnas kicking a bag of wind with scant success - proof, if proof be need be, that live music at grass roots level is alive and kicking. Arf.

First up, Hip Parade, no doubt fresh from a successful jaunt into the Carling Academy on the previous night. But any thoughts of M1-lag were quickly dispelled, as this Glaswegian 5-piece confidently impressed an open-minded Leeds crowd. Great stage presence, and a brand of dance-rock interspersed with really intelligent pop sensibilities. Difficult to choose from a strong line-up, but pick of the set was probably newly-written 'Slow Me Down' - a disco romp reminiscent of Gold Against the Soul-era Manics. Be Real, a meandering indie slow burner, was brought to life by some clever stick-work from drummer Kris, including a face-melting fill worth the entrance fee alone. He later embarked on an audience-delighting Dennis Chambers-esque solo...

[edit] GlassWerk.co.uk by David Gibson

28th October 2005

Shout Out Louds + Hip Parade, Kobai, Absentee @ G.I.G. Edinburgh

It’s been a long time coming but it appears that Edinburgh may finally have a music venue to rival the likes of Glasgow’s King Tut’s. G.I.G. (formerly the teeny-bopper meat market known as Revolution) is a new 1,500 capacity live music venue and is hoping to redress the balance and attract more up and coming live music acts to the capital. Ignoring the décor (It looks like a throwback to ‘The Hitman and Her’), it’s perfectly suited – spacious, excellent sound system (when set up right), and a great central location. Although predominately filled with students tonight, there was a good mix of us older folk in search of some decent live music on a Friday night.

First up were Glasgow band Hip Parade. After cajoling members of the audience to fill up the dance floor they kicked off into a set that made you wonder why they weren’t topping the bill. From the opening 'Radioface', a stomping drum driven track, which reminded of the Levellers and White Stripes, the set showed a good diverse range of their songs, and left a lasting impression on the crowd. Their entire performance was a polished rocking affair that left you wanting more. Highlight of the set was the stunning drum solo. After playing some thumping rhythms through the first half of the set he was unleashed on the audience with a drum solo that saw him possessed by the spirit of Keith Moon and Animal from the Muppets. Not content with that, he then threw away the sticks to complete it with his hands! Worth the entry fee alone!

[edit] GlassWerk.co.uk by Colin McGuire

19th January 2006

Glasswerk Glasgow Debut Showcase Tempercalm + Hip Parade + Cobra Grande + Jimmy Jive @ Nice n Sleazy, Glasgow

Hip Parade (formerly Myopia), opened just as the crowd had grown in size, launching into a set of their grungy rock. With songs that are melodic, fast paced, and layered with meaty drum rhythms and clear vocals, they have a full bodied, well developed sound. Their newest tune, the strangely self-deprecating, ‘Radio Face’ is a catchy rock number that is so danceable, this was followed quite nicely by ‘Slow Me Down’ and the highly emotionally charged ‘She says’. Hip Parade has a middle of the road Indie-Rock appeal, with a bit of depth and dynamic behind their songs, and they had the crowd rocking out, without doubt – a solid live performance.

[edit] Gigreviewscotland.net by GC

6th March 2006

Hip Parade + The Hussys @ University Of Strathclyde, Glasgow

It’s a big week for Glasgow band, Hip Parade (formerly Myopia). The 6th of March sees the four piece release their debut single ‘Slow Me Down’ on Random Disc records and playing three dates this week in promotion of it. Onstage in Strathclyde Union, following an onslaught of what could only be described as ‘[Son of Dork]’ tribute bands,

Dave (Hip Parade), Strathclyde union 2006
Enlarge
Dave (Hip Parade), Strathclyde union 2006

Hip Parade open with the instantly likeable, ‘Radio Face’ with its chanting chorus, tribal drumbeats and wonderfully clangy guitars. Next up is ‘She Says’ with its immediate, pushing drums and guitars and sweet pleading refrain. Debut single, ‘Slow Me Down’ plays next and marks a departure from older tunes: the opening bassline sounds disturbingly like Mylo but soon settles into a funk inspired beat pulsing the song along with sharp guitar rhythm (and the arcing guitar solo can’t go unmentioned I suppose) and subtle but insistent drumming, make it the perfect choice for a first release.

The band are tired from their endless gig routine over the past few months with awkward audience interaction but a small complaint because they sound remarkably tight for a band so young and its exciting to watch All the musicians on the stage have a flair and dexterity with their instruments and they will only get better. Hip Parade are without doubt one of the best bands in Glasgow at the moment and are destined for big things. Check them out. www.myspace.com/hipparade and www.youtube.com for the video for debut single ‘Slow Me Down’ (GC)

[edit] Manchestermusic.co.uk by CA

29 October 2006

George Borowski + Hip Parade + Green Tree Riot In The City @ The Garrett, Manchester

In The City 2006, Manchester
Enlarge
In The City 2006, Manchester

The Garrett is one of those places I never, ever go - despite being probably the closest licensed premises to my flat. I think it's the "Official pre-5th-Avenue Drinking Hole" status that's offputting. Today, however, it's in the capable hands of BUSK who we're told put on sporadic gigs here all year round - must pay more attention. It's also as off the beaten track as you can get in the city centre during ITC. there is no free bar. It's £2 in, pass or not. And on a makeshift stage between a sofa and a window, a grey-heired man is blasting out a full-on rock'n'roll riot that would shame most of the fresh faces playing this weekend. This is George Borowski, living legend, worshipped by musicians from Doves' Jimi Goodwin ("one of the reasons I became a musician") to Dire Straits (I presumed everyone knew Borowski was the "Guitar George" namechecked in "Sultans Of Swing", it's just one of those random pop facts that's been in my head for as long as I can remember - but some of my companions were unaware of this). He does indeed appear to "know all the chords", including a fair few he's probably invented - and plays them all at once or thereabouts with the fire of a punk rocker and the dexterity of a lifelong bluesman, shouting into his mic whilst his somewhat younger bandmates try to keep up. We only catch the last two songs, but it's amongst the best ten minutes of the whole day.

A van pulls up outside, a revolting pink and advertising furniture restoration and house clearances with a Glasgow number - and a bunch of black-clad young lads jump out and through the side door of the pub, hastily whip out some guitars and catch their breath for a second. Tough journey down then? "We are Hip Parade, sorry we're a bit late... do you like our van backdrop?" The almost DelBoy-like vehicle is visible behind them through the pub window. As guitars and drums crank up to full pelt, the young singer holds up placards introducing the band. They have that Franz-and-more Glasgow disco-punk beat stuffed with hi-hats, but this is no skinny-tie art band - there's about 10 times more energy for a start and the guitars are straight out of punk without the funk. In fact they rock almost as hard as that pensioner over in the corner.

[edit] Discography

Cover
She Says EP

[edit] tracks

  • (1) She Says
  • (2) Be Real
  • (3) Enclosure
Slow Me Down

[edit] tracks

  • (1) Slow Me Down
  • (2) Radio Face
  • (3) Dancefloor
Statues Of Our Heroes/Katie Goes Dancing
  • Released: July 31, 2006
  • Writer: Hip Parade
  • Producers: Hip Parade & Andy McGregor
  • Video: Katie Goes Dancing Promotional Video
  • info: The tracks were released as a free download from the bands myspace page
    as a thank you to everyone who bought the previous release dispite the charts disqualification.
Too Good For Me
  • Released: TBA
  • Writer: Rob Shah
  • Producers: Iain Hutchinson
  • Video:
  • tracks:
  • info:

[edit] External links

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