WHEN THE BARS CLOSE

Nik Parr and his band recorded their newest release, “When The Bars Close,” at different stages during the COVID shutdowns and reopening, throughout 2020. The title track is heavily influenced by the strange quiet and stillness of the shuttered businesses and music venues around Austin, Texas. The music is a return to Parr’s roots, with a commitment to the live tracking that was common before the rise of digital recording technology.

The album itself is a tight 50 minutes, featuring 12 punchy tracks that are filled with energy, youthful exuberance and strong performances across the roster of musicians: Daniel Warner on drums, Keegan Flynn on guitar, Augie Gmitter on bass, Kelly Khun and Tory Niemannon on backing vocals with Nick Joswick running the studio session. The sound is a celebration of roots rock n’ roll, Southern Rock, gritty soul and blues, and a touch of 70’s nightclub disco complete with saxophone, and catchy sing-along choruses.

Each song demonstrates a band steeped in roots American music, but with eyes and ears on festival stages, and mass appeal. Parr’s lyrics touch on themes of redemption, the power of love, finding meaning amidst the hardships of growing up, long hours on the road, and the grit and grind of trying to make it. The album closes with plain-spoken warmth and optimism . “I’ll tell you something true. No matter in the world where you’re running to. Know that someone out there really loves you.”