Wide horizons for Parkway Drive

BRENDAN CRABB

BYRON Bay metal/hardcore superstars Parkway Drive will play an All Ages concert at Kiama High School on Thursday, February 21.

The band has been riding a wave of success since their 2005 debut album Killing With A Smile was released. Their new album Horizons recently debuted at number six on the ARIA Album Charts.

Horizons was recorded in Boston with renowned producer Adam Dutkiewitz from American metal band Killswitch Engage.

“It was great to work with him again, and we knew what to expect so we had more fun this time,” vocalist Winston McCall said.

“I think we sent him a bit crazy with the amount of writing off we do, but then again I think anyone would go crazy being stuck in a studio listening to the same set of songs for four weeks straight!”

Far from the laid back “hippie music” that their home town may suggest, the band’s aggressive approach is best reflected in McCall’s lyrics.

“A lot has changed in my world since I wrote the songs on the last album, and I think it is evident on the new album,” he said.

“The songs still contain the same anger and feeling, but I think the anger is directed in maybe a less personal manner.”

The band has toured extensively overseas, including playing with a diverse range of bands on America’s Vans’ Warped Tour.

“When we play a show with a mixed bill it seems like we stick out big time, but I guess people must like us or something!” McCall said.

They also just completed a sold out Australian tour, and for McCall, it’s still difficult to take in.

“It’s been crazy: to be honest I though kids would have forgotten about us by now,” he said.

“We hardly toured Australia in the year before that tour, and trends change so quickly… we never expected this.”

Despite having sold out numerous large venues, McCall said he was very much looking forward to playing places such as Kiama during their upcoming Surf Rat Tour.

“We’ve never really seen the band as something to push, or a commodity of any sorts, it’s been more of a tool for us to just have fun and travel.”

Fellow Byron Bay act 50 Lions will be the main support act on the night.

Tickets are $17 and are available from www.resistrecords.com, Haworth Guitars and Kiama Youth Centre.