Electronic/Review The Parachute Testers - Don't Want To Know
The Parachute Testers are a group of sonic explorers based in Southeast Ireland featuring musicians from Wexford, Leeds (UK), and Ukraine. Their sound blends soaring female vocals reminiscent of Mazzy Star, London Grammar, and The XX with soundscapes in the realms of Elbow, This Is The Kit, Zero 7, and The Beatles.
The Parachute Testers honor the great John Martyn with their performance of "Don't Want To Know," reworking one of his most emotionally impactful songs via their own unique perspective. They approach the song with respect and subtly innovative ideas rather than trying to remake it, finding a delicate balance between homage and own expression.
The hands of The Parachute Testers provide the original, which is infused with reflection and worn beauty, a fresh feel. They add layers that are both new and familiar while maintaining Martyn's unadulterated emotional core. The sad weight of the song is accentuated by the subtle yet rich orchestration. Gentle percussion and subdued instrumental flourishes produce a vast, nearly contemplative ambiance, while delicate guitar work evokes the original's folk-jazz origins.
The performance's vocals are honest and vulnerable. The lead voice seems grounded and genuine, expressing the same emotional distance and silent suffering that gave the original its eerie appeal. There is no attempt to replicate Martyn's unique delivery. The band's reverence for the original material is further reinforced by the phrasing and dynamics, which enhance the song rather than overpower it.
This version excels because it is restrained. The Parachute Testers relied on the song's ageless structure and meaning, allowing it to flow naturally. Over time, "Don't Want To Know" transforms from a cover to a dialogue in which one artist acknowledges another by paying close attention rather than by loudly echoing.
In addition to being a tribute to Martyn's legacy, this performance demonstrates The Parachute Testers' own artistic sensibility.