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Parallax: (par-uh-laks) n. An apparent change in the direction of an object, caused by a change in observational position that provides a new line of sight.
Parallax Project is a band. Originally, it was not supposed to be a band in the traditional sense (dig that definition) but a revolving collaboration of musicians that, for lack of a better word, should be called a band. The nucleus of this atom is Michael Giblin. If you're into obscure indie pop music, then you may have heard of him, but probably not. As a bassist, he's played on over 25 albums for a number of "should have been famous" bands and artists, including Cherry Twister, Steve Ward, Jeffrey Gaines, Adam Kowalczyk(LIVE), and many others. In 2002, Michael was looking for an outlet for his growing catalog of original material, and so launched the notion of Parallax Project as a revolving collective of musicians who, at any given moment, would populate whatever musical world he was currently inhabiting.
Released in 2003 on the L.A. based Tallboy Records, Oblivious, contains 13 songs that reflect the varied facets of Michael's diverse career. The music is eclectic, yet rooted in the melodic, arrangement-driven pop that many of his sideman associations are known for. Its styles move from Who-like blasts of mod-pop, through the intricate jangle of a Byrdsian 12-string, all the way to the pastoral roots-pop of The Band. Sprinkled throughout are delicate harmonies and keen observations on lives that are colliding, expanding, and disintegrating. Oblivious features contributions from several of the illustrious artists that Michael has worked with in the past, including drummer Ronny Crawford (Lisa Loeb/Anna Nalick), singer/songwriter Jeffrey Gaines, guitarist Pete Kennedy (Nanci Griffith/The Kennedys), and Boston punk legend David Minehan (The Neighborhoods/Paul Westerberg/Aerosmith). Songs from Oblivious have been featured on VH-1, MTV, and CBS television shows.
For 2006’s Perpetual Limbo, Giblin relied heavily on the steady group of musicians that had coalesced around the numerous live shows that were played in support of Oblivious. Having honed itself into a razor-sharp classic rock combo (a la Elvis Costello’s Attractions), the band’s second effort for Tallboy Records contains a delicate balance of New Wave abrasiveness and the lush, expansive pop of the previous album. The band supported this release with shows throughout the US, appearances at the prestigious SXSW, International Pop Overthrow, and numerous other festivals, as well as tours with underground legends The Plimsouls, The Fleshtones, and Magic Christian.
2008 brought a chance meeting with one of Michael’s musical heroes, producer/songwriter Don Dixon (R.E.M., The Smithereens, Counting Crows, Marshall Crenshaw), who is widely regarded as one of the architects of contemporary alternative rock. That meeting ultimately led to Dixon producing the band’s third album, 2009’s I Hate Girls, which is the band’s first effort for the N.J. based KoolKat Musik. Noted for his skill with eclectic artists, Dixon brought a sense of immediacy and a focusing aspect to the recording process that resulted in the band’s tightest, most focused effort to date. Recorded in just 3 sessions, the 11 songs on I Hate Girls inhabit the same space as early records by such noted influences as Squeeze, The Jam, and the aforementioned Elvis Costello. Shifting towards a more visceral and direct attack, while also spotlighting the group’s heretofore nascent classic soul influence, the album features searing guitar work from Eddie Munoz (The Plimsouls), varied musical contributions from Dixon himself, and a vocal appearance from Marti Jones, whose string of critically acclaimed albums for A&M and RCA in the 1980’s were produced by Mr. Dixon.
In addition to the original material on I Hate Girls, the band has also released a companion album of cover songs that have been recorded over the span of the band’s 7 year career. Entitled Sleeping with the Enemy, it contains songs by The Who, The Kinks, ELO, XTC, The Velvet Underground, The Faces, Dr. Feelgood, et al, and features guest appearances by underground rock legend Cyril Jordan (The Flamin’ Groovies) and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Clem Burke (Blondie).
