The global pandemic has spun the world off its axis for over two years now. There was an immediate shock to the system when live music halted and sent music fans into a lo-fi Spotify tailspin with no hope in sight for an authentic live music experience. At the same time, Toronto's infamous and most cherished live music venue Massey Hall closed its doors for restoration. 

Fast forward to St. Patrick's Day 2022 when Electropop five-piece Parcels graced the Massey Hall stage to welcome back lockdown stricken, Toronto music fans. We've been one of the most locked-down countries in the world. To say we were hungry for live music is an extreme understatement. Parcels reignited our passion with two hours of mind-melting musicianship. Their set felt like a concoction of bands. It was a show that weaved together the sounds of Daft Punk and Cut Copy, with the indie soundscapes of Phoenix sprinkled in for good measure. But that doesn't even do justice to describe the vibes. Parcels are a beast, a true masterclass of musicianship. Their set felt like one giant jam session that did not stop for two hours other than a quick and humorous pause on stage for all the members to shake their hands from excessive strumming, drumming, and piano playing. 

They wove together a set comprising of songs from their 2018 self-titled album and their latest double album that dropped last year, titled Day/Night. The result was a hypnotic night of harmonizing vocals, guitars, and dance vibes that at times brought me back to my Much Dance days, which was everything I needed and more. 

Parcels at the wonderfully restored Massey Hall was my first show in over two years. Words cannot describe the feeling I had and still have as we all welcomed back live music to the city of Toronto. Parcels barely spoke throughout the night but on a few occasions yelled out "give it up for yourselves Toronto, you deserve it". Let me tell you, we absolutely did deserve it. Thank you Parcels. And thank you, Massey Hall.  

Parcels Setlist:
1. Swells (Intro)
2. Light
3. Free
4. Comingback
5. Theworstthing
6. Overnight
7. Tieduprightnow
8. Outside
9. Shadow
10. Neverloved
11. Famous
12. LordHenry
13. Thefear
14. Reflex
15. Lightenup
16. EDM
17. Gamesofluck
18. Hideout
19. Somethinggreater

Encore:
Drop the Pressure (Mylo cover)

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Words & Photography by: Steve St. Jean