Music Review: Lion and the Beggar by Parisian
Music Review: Lion and the Beggar by Parisian
20 May 2017
Australian singer/songwriter Jeremy Fowler has moved on from former band New Empire with the first release of a new project titled Parisian.
The six-song EP, Lion and the Beggar, is an intentional shift away from the melodic anthem rock that made the New Empire’s name and further defines Fowler’s own voice as a pop artist.
Indie rock outfit New Empire hailed from NSW and grew its fan base by supporting acts like Relient K, Stan Walker and Owl City. The band made its mark on the Aussie charts with singles like Give Me the World and One Heart/Million Voices, while also speaking openly about their faith and partnering with charitable organisations on tour.
At first listen, Parisian sounds simply like Fowler’s clean voice and melodic songwriting minus New Empire’s rock guitars and singalong gang vocals. Lion and the Beggar isn’t an incomplete portion of New Empire though, as it purposefully holds back the tempo and includes piano, acoustic guitar and electronic loops to create its own brand of atmospheric indie pop.
The EP’s title track is a mellow pop ballad that leans heavily on autotune to further make the statement. Ocean is an upbeat track that stretches Fowler’s vocal range and explores the grief of relationship breakdown. Fortress closes the EP with what is likely the strongest track, combining Parisian’s new elements and reflecting on Fowler’s sense of the love of God.
New Empire always presented an accessible brand of melodic rock and Parisian seems to take a similar approach to atmospheric pop. New Empire fans who are keen for more of the same may be disappointed, but those who appreciated the sincerity and reflection in Fowler’s singing and songwriting will find something of value in Parisian’s Lion and the Beggar.
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