PRESS
Elsewhere Review
20 Sept 2011
“Parsons has delivered an album with musical colour and texture…well crafted songs which cover a range of real human emotions.. Few albums end on such a pitch-perfect emotional and reassessing note. Quite something.
- Graham Reid
Read full review here
Under the Radar Review
August 28, 2009
“New Zealand’s own country sweetheart brings us her heartfelt ramblings, ardently packaged with equal parts break-up blues, lovesick lullabies and soul-purging poetry…. a gorgeous catalogue of honest Kiwi folk songs.” Full review here
– Hayley Koorts
Rip It Up Review
June 18, 2009
“A beautiful and honest bunch of songs….this is a great country gem..”
- Fleur Jack
Elsewhere Review
May 24, 2009
“Impressive debut…an album that deserves to grab serious attention” Read full review here
-Graham Reid
The Lumiere Reader
May 23, 2009
“Mel Parsons writes melodies as if she is writing them in her sleep…(Over My Shoulder) is overall a beautiful and highly accessible album” Read the full feature here
Etch Magazine
April 20, 2009
If you’re a folk fan, or simply looking for a CD to chill out to with a beer on a sunny sunday afternoon, then this should be part of your CD collection.”
-David Edtmaier
Waikato Times Review
April 16, 2009
“Mel Parsons rises above the meloncholy and serves up an album crammed with melodies to fuel her catchy, folky pop songs……intimate, refreshing and memorable.”
– Steve Scott
NZ Musician
April 15, 2009
“This debut album is instantly catchy and enjoyable, a beautiful collection of songs….. it’s hard to fault the musicianship, finely crafted songs, pure harmonies and infectious positivity….. Parsons has clearly managed to sway several established industry figures with her skills, and she will sway you too.”
-Kara Segedin
Einstein Music Journal
April 12, 2009
“Over My Shoulder slowly becomes more gripping and beautiful with each track. Opener ‘Still Life’ is deeply rooted in southern country music….instantly appealing to fans of Jolie Holland or The Be Good Tanyas…… Locked together through pure emotional heartbreak and wonderfully vibrant imagery, Over My Shoulder is simply beautiful.” 8/10
– Nick Fulton
Cheese on Toast Review
April 10, 2009
“…it’s a joy to listen to Parsons’ songs. Over My Shoulder features a host of guest musicians including Neil Watson (Anika Moa, Finn Brothers…) and Don McGlashan, not to mention collaborations with The Sami Sisters and Wellingtonian multi-instrumentalist Shaun Elley (both providing harmonies of the sweetest kind). With an obvious ear for melody, and a distinctly local sound – Mel Parsons is one to watch, and certainly one to listen to.”
– Matthew Crawley
Otago Daily Times Review
March 28, 2009
“Husky, effortless vocals enhanced by strong lyricism and harmonies…. relaxed, understated arrangements that encompass country, folk, pop and occasional blues-jazz flourish…”
– Shane Gilchrist
