Bermuda Search Party outdoes expectations with the ecstatic and satisfyingly vibrant album "Fools On Parade."

Bermuda Search Party's album "Fools on Parade" goes beyond just saccharine pop numbers— amidst the creative conjunction of rollicking guitars, horns and vocals, there lies deeper sentiments for the listeners to unravel. The band has truly accomplished a remarkable feat with this project, eagerly alternating between lively, uptempo hooks and quiet, introspective moments.

Formed in Boston, the band is primarily a quartet, with its members Leo Son and Claire Davis leading the vocal duties. After a successful debut album and several releases since their debut in 2019, listeners have steadily flocked to appreciate their artistic ingenuity (prime example being the top-performing soulful debut "Willow" with over 2 million streams). They rock an active persona not just off-stage, but on it as well: as this article's being written, they are conducting a thorough headlining tour stretching across America. Besides that, they have previously left a lasting impression on crowds in events such as Boston Calling, Treefort, and even the much-reputed SXSW.

The first signs of "Fools on Parade" surfaced last year with a string of singles unveiled from the album, every bit upping the momentum towards their defining and watershed endeavor. This came after productive studio sessions with recording engineer Eric Palmquist (Tate McRae, Bad Suns) during a three-week stay in LA. "Fools on Parade" is far from any ambitious sentiments; rather, it's core essence is embracing one's true self, flaws and all, without pretending to be someone else (as the frontman Leo states "...the phrase "Fools on Parade" resonates with us. We're never trying to be cool"). 

A funky, untethered sonic trademark is inherent in the DNA of this album: right from the inaugural tune "Olivia," a plucky synth is joined with a syncopated drumbeat and cheery crooning— it's a lighthearted, feel-good romantic bop. This enthusiasm is further upheld in the sophomore "Asking 4 A Friend" with its bubbly, strutting pop-rock composition fitted with wistful, yearning lyricism ("Can we dance into the silence and never forget...I'm asking for a friend").

Starry-eyed "July" stands out as a heartwarming performance from Claire, keenly wanting to relive sun-kissed memories beside a loved one ("Will you be there to take me back to July/When sunny days start passing me by"). On the peachy "Sed N Dun," the vocal duet engages in a playful tussle about their break-up between verses (nevertheless hinting at a recoup later), pushed forward by a joyful funk-rock assembly. "End of The Road" emphasizes getting through hard times, contrasted creatively by a peppy beat (which almost alleviates the impact of the despondent songwriting). Mild and softly caressing, the ending act is played out by "Shiver": a melancholic but hopeful acoustic rendition, it has a stark but admirable distinctiveness with its raw and delicate performance.

Listen to "Fools On Parade" on Spotify, and stay tuned with Bermuda Search Party on Instagram.