All-consuming audio escapism, a performative and evocative realm, guided by the pure human poetry of honest expression. Justin Bell fronts the eclectic project Beyond Coda, and Parallel Acceptance is an aptly multi-faceted new EP, seemingly built around the juxtaposed elements of joy and pain, love and heartbreak, the self and the bigger picture.
The title-track begins our journey, Parallel Acceptance showcasing at first an impressively colourful, multi-layered and organic production, with a choir of voices and a plethora of instruments to set the mood. From atmospheric waves to instrumental riffs and crisp, live tones, the set-up instantly connects, and proceeds to tighten that grip throughout.
Soon we’re introduced to this leading voice, and the inherent stylistic contrast of delicacy and euphoria, to match the conceptual countering of ideas. The backing vocals provide exultation and brightness, while our lead presents a raspy, quiet and uncertain alternative, which suits these poetic and vague reflections quite beautifully.
The song builds and builds, and despite its genre-free complexity, there’s a simple resounding tune to the hook, and that melody and the emotion it carries naturally lingers in the mind.
A sensational opening track, theatrical and poignant, provocative in a way that’s likely unique to each listener, Parallel Acceptance speaks volumes on behalf of both the musicality and thoughtful effort that has gone into this project.
Track two is a more mellow sway of a set-up, and is melodically enchanting, warm, and near-acoustic in its delicate but stylistically intricate arrangement. Already the leading voice is unmistakable, a sort of nineties indie rasp and realism that lets the words pierce through with feeling and identity. Silent Canvas is gorgeous, somehow both hopeful and soaked in the painful ache of acceptance.
“Born to lament, that you can do anything, not everything.” The lyrics are powerful, unforgettable in some cases, and the modest set-up but heartfelt, impassioned delivery reinforces that.
Next we move into gentler seas still, for the piano, strings and acoustic guitar embrace of Porcelain. Another sublime poem brought to life by music, the song elevating the mood as the groove drops into view, and the hopeful melody and images presenting a calming sense of serenity and freedom. Here we get a folk stomp of an anthem for the hook, and that change of pace makes all the difference in providing this mid-section, mountain-like peak for the project.
After this, a beautifully nostalgic pop-rock aura, with a gorgeous chorus – Silver Walls promises a perfect blending of electric guitar tones, ideas, light drums, and Justin’s hypnotic voice, offering a personal favourite for its poetry and the satisfying evocative rise of the hook.
The repeating lyric of the outro is also ideal, in doubling down on these hopeful but heart-breaking reflections and goodbyes; to another, or to the self, a mystique woven into the fabric of this EP.
“I felt your brittle fingers, play the last chord and turn to water.”
While there are a few grounding features found throughout the Parallel Acceptance EP, there’s also a lot of versatility from one moment to the next, and that keeps you engaged along the way. The threads are essential though, this use of a melody that somehow feels both melancholic and optimistic, the cracks in the voice, the movement from intimate and raw to impassioned and powerful.
The closing song is all of this at once, and reverts back to the fullness of the opening track. Real Time is melodically enchanting, deeply moving, and is again stacked high with imagery and metaphors that really provoke deeper connection and contemplation.
It’s a blissful way to wrap up the EP, an almost Gospel-like crescendo of feeling and fragility, of shared suffering, the inevitable end, and of course, that mild but essential flicker of light.
Beyond Coda have crafted a masterpiece with this EP. Every moment is purposeful, the central concept vague but unwavering, and the music diverse enough to hold attention and lead your emotional response accordingly throughout five well-written and performed songs.
Parallel Acceptance is a tearjerker of a listen, the perfect soundtrack to lose yourself within, to shake out those aches of uncertainty, lostness, regret, and to feel understood and strangely comforted, by the universal weight of disconnection.
Find the music here or via Spotify & Apple. Follow Justin Bell of Beyond Coda on Instagram.
