The National Parks is the best band you’ve probably never heard of. Their latest album, Wild Spirit, is full of songs that evoke nature and wild places, making it the perfect soundtrack for adventures. And although the band’s current tour is nearly over, if you ever get the chance to see them live, you’ll find that the experience is almost as great as being outdoors.
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The National Parks is an American indie folk band made up of Brady Parks (guitar and lead vocals), Sydney Macfarlane (keyboards and vocals), Cam Brannelly (drums), and Megan Parks (violin and vocals). The band’s lyrics draw heavily from nature. In fact, they inspire listeners to go find their own inspiration in the wild places of the world. Track titles on the new album include “Caves,” “Scenic Route,” “Timber!” “Evergreens,” and my personal favorite, “Take a Hike.”
The National Parks’ Live Show
This band’s music has been part of my family’s road trips and camping excursions for the past couple of years, but I recently had the chance to see The National Parks live for the first time. I attended the Los Angeles show as part of the band’s Wild Spirit tour, which wraps up this weekend in Houston, Texas. The band members held a pre-show VIP session that included acoustic songs and a Q&A.
Elias Hix opened the show and got the crowd moving with their indie folk songs. (The three-piece band also features a violin.) Then, The National Parks took the stage, backlit by neon trees and cactuses. The band played a mix of songs from the Wild Spirit album and old favorites like “You Are Gold” and “Angels,” which is all about a hike to Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park. At one point, the band members took their instruments into the crowd and played a couple of songs, including “Wind & Anchor.” It felt like we were all gathered around a campfire singing our favorite song together.
Although the Wild Spirit tour is just about over, this young band is really just getting started. Their music keeps gets better and better, but their outdoorsy vibe always stays the same. Give them a listen, and next time The National Parks go on tour, consider supporting a band that loves the great outdoors as much as you do.
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