We Demand Parachutes release their second EP titled “Cheerful Coping,” thereby marking the beginning of a new chapter for the band. This release follows their acclaimed 2022 debut album, “Outside The Null Field,” and importantly, it comes after notable collaborations, such as “Still Trying” with Maine band Fake Feelings and “Pete Wentz Doesn’t Know The Name of Our Band” with New York-based Shower Beers.
Furthermore, produced and recorded by Alan Day of Four Year Strong, “Cheerful Coping” reflects the spirit of these modern times and the little things we do to keep going while the world burns around us. In light of this, the band comment on the concept behind the record:
“‘Cheerful Coping’ is the story of the underdog.”
For them, maintaining a resilient attitude has been crucial in these times:
“There’s something powerful about having a resilience mindset. Like the rest of the world, we’ve been through some intense things over the last few years. We adopted the ‘Cheerful Coping’ mantra because the world is getting weird. We think it’s important to keep a positive attitude and keep moving forward despite the obstacles.”
Moreover, the title track showcases the band’s evolving writing process, which has developed through collaboration with Day at Ghost Hit Recording Studio in West Springfield, Massachusetts. From the initial sketches to the final production, the band has experimented with new instruments and sounds, thereby crafting an EP that retains its essence while exploring new sonic territory. Finally, with a touch of humor, the band reflects on their recent studio experience:
“We Demand Parachutes has gotten really experimental in the studio.
“We spent more time on this record, which allowed us to embark on what Alan called the ‘vibe journey,’ a creative experimentation with new instruments and plugins, reinventing chords and stories.”
With Cheerful Coping, We Demand Parachutes opens up again and shares vulnerabilities, reminding listeners that they are as human as anyone else. From the news dominating our daily lives to the little things that affect them, like “anyone who doesn’t give their best, most Massachusetts drivers, and bad bagels.”
The band emphasize that their message is about finding hope in a pessimistic world. In their own words:
“There are a ton of catchy tracks on this record.
“There’s also a lot of introspection and pain. The final song, ‘It’s Been A Year,’ has a darker tone and addresses Kevin McCord’s experience as a Green Beret soldier and the complex emotions of coming back home. We dedicate this song to our troops and the struggles they face returning from war. We wanted to make a record about rising above adversity and showing resilience, closing with a powerful message: ‘You have the power to choose your own destiny.’”
In this way, We Demand Parachutes invite reflection on deep and universal themes, delivering a work that combines musical strength with lyrical honesty.
Listen to the full EP below:
