Parachute

With new bands coming out of the woodwork each day, sometimes it’s hard to make that lasting impression. And while Parachute can be tossed into the pile of pop rock bands, this Charlottesville, Virginia, outfit has managed to pack venues wherever they go.
Childhood friends -- Will Anderson (vocals, guitar, keys) , Kit French (saxophone, keys, vocals), Alex Hargrave (bass) and Johnny Stubblefield (drums) -- started the band back in high school and were known as Sparky’s Flaw. After signing with Mercury Records in 2007, they soon changed their name to Parachute and put out three albums that wooed fans with their catchy melodies, sweet lyrics and rock rhythms on songs like ‘You and Me,’ ‘Can’t Help’ and ‘She (For Liz).’
Seeing their shows since 2008 when I followed gaggles of girls toward a band of all-American guys who each had his own cute look that would appeal to just about every young female in the crowd. However it's not just their adorable looks that will grab you (if that’s your kind of thing). Instead it was their band’s musical ingenuity. From the Stubblefield’s heavy drumming to French’s skills on the sax, their sound was something that was less Dave Matthews Band, who’s also from their hometown, and leaned more towards a piano-driven Billy Joel type vibe. They continue the ‘Piano Man’ singer’s legacy by even covering his hit, ‘Movin’ Out’ in their set. Another thing to note about Parachute is the way they are able to mix things up in their set by making sure to show their rock band styles on ‘Something to Believe In,’ the romantic acoustic side with ‘She is Love’ and the more trendy synthy sound on ‘The Only One.’ Playing outdoor festival stages and theaters with bands like The Cab and Plain White T’s, they are your no-frills straight forward pop rock band. So don’t expect fireworks or some crazy costumes. But be sure to pack a pair of earplugs to protect yourself from the high pitch screams.