Parker Barrow unleashes “Novocaine”

Blues-infused Southern rockers Parker Barrow have dropped a new single titled “Novocaine,” a hard-hitting track that blends soulful mood with gritty rock energy.

“Novocaine came from an idea Alex, our guitarist, had in his back pocket for some time,” says Parker Barrow drummer, Dylan Turner. “At the time he showed it to us I had recently written some lyrics with no real melody or “song structure” in mind, but I immediately realized the riff he brought to us was perfect for the lyrics I had just written.”

Guitarist Alex Bender adds, “Novocaine was derived from an idea I had saved from a jam a few years ag. It was a swung, sixteenth note chromatic riff that when paired with certain accents from the drums, created a bluesy almost seductive feel that was perfect for a verse. Originally written on guitar, our producer, Stephen McKnight, heard the riff and had the idea to transfer it and feature a Rhodes electric piano. This added even more character to the darker mood of the track. We felt dynamics were very important, so we used different instrumentation to achieve a wide dynamic range.”

Parker Barrow’s UK run includes appearances at Nottingham’s Bodega (July 18), The Grace in London (July 19), and the Maid of Stone Festival (July 20). The group is also set to return to the UK as special guests on The Damn Truth’s tour in November.

For fans of blues rock with attitude and atmosphere, “Novocaine” is a promising glimpse at what’s next for Parker Barrow, and a reminder that this band knows how to blend soul, swagger, and edge into something that sticks.