There’s this sense of transformation running through Time Parade’s latest EP ‘Those Who Do Not Jump Will Never Fly’. Emerging from the ashes of Chris Lonon’s former solo project, The Olde Guard, this collection feels like the sound of an artist discovering what happens when solitary reflection gives way to collective energy.
Where 2023’s ‘At the Lighthouse’ was an intensely personal affair, written, performed, and recorded entirely by Lonon himself, this new chapter benefits enormously from the chemistry of a full band. The addition of Wes Grasty, Stephen Yount, Mike Kenerley, and Kyle Carinelli amplifies the emotional core of the songwriting, resulting in a release that feels bigger, more dynamic, and far more adventurous in its ambitions.
What immediately stands out is the way Time Parade weave literary influences into their songwriting without ever allowing the concept to overshadow the emotion. Songs inspired by characters from classic novels could easily become academic exercises, yet these tracks remain deeply engaging. The standout ‘Poor Anselmo’, drawing inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls, works because it focuses on the universal themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and reflection. Even listeners unfamiliar with its source material will find something to connect with here.
Musically, the EP thrives in the space between tension and release. Echoes of jangling British indie-rock sit comfortably alongside more muscular alt-rock arrangements. There are traces of The Smiths’ melodic elegance, flashes of Elvis Costello’s sharp songwriting instincts, and hints of David Bowie’s restless creativity scattered throughout the EP. Yet Time Parade never feel trapped by their influences, instead using them as building blocks for something distinctly their own.
Lonon’s vocal performance also deserves a special mention. There is a quiet conviction to his delivery that perfectly suits the material.
Thematically, ‘Those Who Do Not Jump Will Never Fly’ is fascinated by endurance. These are songs about uncertainty, pressure, and the difficult decisions that shape our lives. Yet despite exploring complex emotional territory, the EP never feels defeated. There is resilience woven through every track, a belief that growth often emerges from discomfort.
In many ways, this EP feels like a statement of intent. Time Parade have successfully evolved from a solo endeavour into a fully realised band without losing the introspective qualities that made the project compelling in the first place. ‘Those Who Do Not Jump Will Never Fly’ captures a group finding its identity in real time, and the results are both thoughtful and exhilarating.