Melodic Machinations -Lyrically Speaking : Para Lia

Wednesday 5 July 2023

Para Lia

Alternative Rock duo Para Lia began with duo René and Cindy Methner but has since become a band of around six. Based in Cottbus, close to Berlin, Para Lia chose their band name in response to their love of Greece. “Born of our love for Greece, the name “para lia” (παραλία) means “coast” or “beach” in Greek is full of mystery and optimism, both having its story and evoking balance between the masculine and feminine” the band explains.

Para Lia describes their style as “The sound of noisy, melodic guitars – and the philosophy that a good song has a good melody. Para Lia’s music is full of references – but with our very own sound and style.” The members of the band developed their love for music in their teens. With René on instruments and vocals and Cindy providing backing vocals they describe their music as a “a blend of our love for late 80’s and early 90’s indie rock with 60’s influences, psychedelic, garage rock and early prog rock elements.”

When describing the themes and purpose of their music Para Lia reference their latest album In Clash With The Zeitgeist. The band explains the songs on the album as being “written in the pandemic days, which were darker and unfree days for most of us. The main theme is ‘don’t let you down’ and ‘look forward’ and so all of them have a touch of brightness, optimism. In terms of music: brighter chords and hooks.”

With an emphasis on staying authentic with their creativity Para Lia began by reaching out with their music on Soundcloud. “When we started we used Soundcloud to reach out to people with our stuff. We still have a beautiful fanbase there and we love it.” The band also uses other forms of social media to stay in touch and inform fans of and about their latest music. René is primarily in charge of the bands aesthetic and although Para Lia primarily began as a studio project the band is moving towards live performances. Para Lia explains “our main goal for now is to form a band which will play a nice live set and we hope to get out the energy we feel in our rehearsals to the listeners. We really are looking forward to the Para Lia live experience.”

In the future Para Lia’s hopes to create a band that plays well live “we hope to get out the energy we feel in our rehearsals to the listeners. We really are looking forward to the Para Lia live experience.”

For those who are unfamiliar with Para Lia’s music the band says “If you love guitar driven, melodic indie rock with heart and soul – you will find this with Para Lia. The new album is a collection of ‘psychalovic sonic songs for lovers and survivors’ – check it out.”