Bochum Parkway, Sheffield, May 2005
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Trying to get an interview with one of the Parkway boys before the gig is impossible. Unless of course you happen to be a barmaid at the pub next door to the venue and your only question is "what can I get you fellas?"

After several pre-match pints the band rock up five minutes before they are due on stage complete with minimal equipment, several cans of Carlsberg, roll ups in mouths and are looking decidedly apprehensive....Not surprising due to the largely pubescent atmosphere. Most of the crowd are clearly well below legal drinking age (although that doesn’t seem to hold them back) but the boys needn’t have worried, the Civic Hall rules of no alcohol and no smoking certainly don’t do anything to impede the mood, or the number of suspect plastic pop bottles and red-eyed teenage boys.
The performance begins with the classic Bochum intro of synthesised funk/rock/disco and goes into a respectable performance from Collings (lead vocals). Despite obvious lapses in confidence, a few dodgy looks from fellow band members and Classic Rock Society propaganda about not being able to sing, his style of vocals hit a balance between Tim Burgess and Johnny Rotten (or somebody else on recreational Class As) but the random death stares towards the back of the hall were by far my favourite part of his performance.

The sound of Bochum Parkway is somewhat unique and difficult to define, although their influences don’t seem so obscure... Some tracks are played at a fast pace reminiscent of 80s bands like Depeche Mode, 808 State, and even The Pet Shop Boys, while others have a heavier feel to them, which evokes memories of The Clash. At times, however, the bluesy intros sound more like The Charlatans. Imagine The Cooper Temple Clause or Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, with all of the rawness and chaos, but the synthesiser dominates instead of guitars and you are close. Anyway enough comparisons....

Bochum make up what they lack in confidence with the rare cross-breed fusion of indie rock, ambient electro funk, new romantics and definitely punk. There is a freshness and niceness to their music that is quite rare these days. None of the ‘badboy’ attitude (apart from Collings) you see many Northern bands trying to emulate. The music has a kind of modern art/new age feel to it that some other guitar bands are lacking. Critique of their music ranges from ‘smooth, funky, rocked up disco’ to ‘slightly fucking bizarre’ and I’d have to say the truth lies somewhere in between.
Bochum Parkway are a breath of fresh air to the northern music scene, just stop worrying and try to look like you are actually enjoying yourselves boys.

Step-On Magazine Issue 25
Editorial : Tamsin Winter