Rock/Review Tambyrlane - Fools Parade
Mike Molina and Steve Capozzi, known collectively as Tambyrlane, provide proof that the urge to make music remains intrinsically tied to one’s passion and purpose. So too, even when one has garnered attention early on—as Mike did with his first band, The Coins—the desire and determination tend to linger and find a safe and secure spot in one’s musical mindset and reside there forever.
“Fools Parade,” the debut album by seasoned musicians Mike Molina and Steve Capozzi under the Tambyrlane banner, is a masterclass in dynamic songwriting and emotional breadth. Across its tracks, the album skillfully navigates shifts in tone and tempo, offering listeners a rich tapestry of sentiments that feel both timeless and immediate.
With the anthemic “As the Crow Flies,” the album immediately establishes its rock-Americana credentials, pairing soaring melodies with lyrical clarity. Tracks like “Walk Tough” deliver a rumbling, thunderous energy, while the title track, “Fools Parade,” impresses with piano-driven dynamism that underscores the duo’s command of musical narrative. The album balances these highs with moments of introspection, as in “Calm of the Sea,” which sways gently, inviting reflection and demonstrating the band’s sensitivity to pacing and emotional resonance.
Recorded and co-produced with Paul Opalach at Long Hill Studios and Grammy-nominated Edwin Ramos at Platinum Room Recorders in Connecticut, “Fools Parade” achieves a polished yet organic sound. The production honors the old-school ethos of its inspirations—Dylan, The Band, Neil Young, The Who, Steve Earle, and The Rolling Stones—while incorporating modern sonic approaches that keep the album feeling fresh.
Ultimately, “Fools Parade” is a confident debut that captures the passion, conviction, and versatility of its creators. From its anthemic rockers to tender folk-infused moments, Tambyrlane delivers an album that resonates on multiple levels, inviting repeated listens and rewarding those who appreciate finely crafted songwriting rooted in rock and Americana traditions.