{{Short description|Australian synthpop band}} {{for|the episode of the television series'' Absolutely Fabulous''|Absolutely Fabulous (series 4)}} {{Use Australian English|date=September 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Parralox | image = | image_size = | landscape = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank --> | alt = | caption = | alias = | origin = Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | genre = {{Flatlist| * Synthpop * electronica * electropop * EDM }} | years_active = {{start date|2008}}–present | label = Subterrane, Conzoom | website = {{URL|parralox.com}} | current_members = {{unbulleted list|John von Ahlen|Johanna Gervin|Louise Love}} | past_members = {{unbulleted list|Rowena "Roxy" Martin|Amii Jackson|Ian Burden|Francine Ihenacho|Phil Ceberano}} }} '''Parralox''' is an Australian synthpop band formed by John von Ahlen in 2008. Originally featuring lead vocalist Rowena "Roxy" Martin and producer-songwriter von Ahlen, the band has undergone a number of line-up changes, including the additions of vocalists Amii Jackson, Johanna Gervin and Louise Love, and the addition of The Human League's Ian Burden on bass guitar.
Their debut single "I Fell in Love with a Drum Machine", released February 2008, caught the attention of the international EDM community, propelling the duo from local to international prominence.<ref name="SomaMagazine.com Parralox feature">{{cite web|last1=Poet|first1=J.|title=Parralox|url=http://www.somamagazine.com/parralox-2/|website=SomaMagazine.com|access-date=7 May 2015|date=February 2013}}</ref> In 2009, Parralox remixed Swedish electronica artist {{Interlanguage link|Emma_Nylén|qid=sv|lt= ''Emmon's''}} "Lips on Fire" single earning the band an official release on Wonderland Records.<ref name="ReleaseMagazine.net Spotlight Feature">{{cite web|last1=Eliasson|first1=Tobias|title=Spotlight Parralox|url=http://releasemagazine.net/Spotlight/spotlightparralox.htm|website=ReleaseMagazine.net|access-date=7 May 2015|date=12 June 2009|quote=it was the remix from Parralox that stood out the most and won}}</ref> Parralox digitally distribute their music through independent label Subterrane Records; in 2009 the band signed to German electro label, Conzoom Records. Parralox have gained support and acclaim from Perez Hilton and veteran music blogger, Arjan Writes.<ref name="PerezHilton.com Sharper Than A Knife Review">{{cite web|title=Listen To This: It Cuts!|url=http://perezhilton.com/2009-02-11-listen-to-this-10|website=PerezHilton.com|access-date=7 May 2015|date=11 February 2009|quote=Their name is Parralox and we LOVE them!!!!!!}}</ref><ref name="ArjanWrites.com Silent Morning Review">{{cite web|last1=Writes|first1=Arjan|title=Video Premiere: Parralox featuring Ryan Adamés 'Silent Morning' [First Look]|url=http://www.arjanwrites.com/arjanwrites/2013/06/video-premiere-parralox-featuring-ryan-adam%C3%A9s-silent-morning.html|website=ArjanWrites.com|access-date=7 May 2015|quote=It's a synth gem that I'm sure '80s aficionados everywhere will be salivating over}}</ref>
As of September 2025, the band have released seven albums of original material, and three albums consisting of covers, as well as eleven albums and EPs in their "Holiday" series of covers. They have performed internationally in Germany, Sweden, Spain, the United States and England.
== History ==
=== Background === As a child, John von Ahlen explored music, taking up both the saxophone and clarinet; by high school his focus had switched to piano and synthesisers. In 1993, von Ahlen teamed with international songwriter John Collins and Grammy nominee Gina G together contributing songs to Bass Culture's ''BC Nation'' album, soon signed to Michael Gudinski's Mushroom Records.<ref name="Discogs.com Bass Culture – BC Nation">{{cite web|title=Bass Culture – BC Nation|date=1995 |url=http://www.discogs.com/Bass-Culture-BC-Nation/release/3820386|publisher=discogs|access-date=9 May 2015}}</ref> The label's affiliation with popular Australian soap operas Neighbours and Home and Away facilitated the Collins/von Ahlen penned, "Love Will Find A Way" featuring Susie Ahern appearing in a 1995 Neighbours' episode, aired on Network Ten.<ref name='Neighboursepisodes.com Featuring "Love Will Find A Way"'>{{cite web|title=Episode title: 2521|url=http://www.neighboursepisodes.com/index.php?year=1995&episode=2521|website=Neighboursepisodes.com|access-date=9 May 2015}}</ref><ref name='Discogs.com "Love Will Find A Way"'>{{cite web|title=Bass Culture Featuring Susie Ahern – Love Will Find A Way|date=1995 |url=http://www.discogs.com/Bass-Culture-Featuring-Susie-Ahern-Love-Will-Find-A-Way/release/1442554|publisher=discogs|access-date=9 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | year =2010 | title =Royalty Statement | publisher =APRA | page =3 }}</ref> Von Ahlen, would produce and write with a number of bands including dance act Nova (1992–1996), electronic band, Discotron (1995–1998) and steampunk, goth cabaret-pop outfit, The Tenth Stage (2006) before forming Parralox in 2008.<ref name="PopTrashAddicts Parralox Interview">{{cite web|title=Parralox – Pop Trash Interview|url=http://poptrashaddicts.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/parralox-pop-trash-interview.html|website=PopTrashAddicts.blogspot.co.uk|access-date=8 May 2015|date=16 April 2010}}</ref>
=== Formation === Originally introduced to Roxy by John Collins, von Ahlen enlisted the classically trained vocalist to join him on the Parralox project in 2007.<ref name="Billboard.com Artist: Parralox">{{cite magazine|title=Artist: Parralox|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/1496587/parralox/biography|magazine=Billboard|access-date=9 May 2015}}</ref> The pair had been working together since their 2004 win at the coveted MusicOz Awards, where Roxy won Best Dance Artist with the duo's "Electric Nights" entry.<ref name="TheDwarf.com.au MusicOz Award">{{cite web|title=MusicOz awards time again|url=http://www.thedwarf.com.au/forum/topic/10686/musicoz-awards-time-again---|website=TheDwarf.com.au|access-date=10 May 2015|date=28 June 2005|quote=Melbourne-born singer-songwriter Rowena was awarded 'Best Dance Artist 2004' at 'The Musicoz Awards' in December.}}</ref><ref name="FilmFest.com Parralox Feature">{{cite web|last1=Moscatt|first1=Elena|title=Music: Parralox|url=http://www.filmfest.com/content/Music/music.html|website=FilmFest.com|access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref> Splitting her time between Australia and the UK, singer/songwriter Roxy became the band's first lead vocalist.
=== 2008–2009: ''Electricity'' and ''State of Decay'' === In August 2008, Parralox released their debut album ''Electricity''; made available for digital download and accompanied by the special edition CD version ''Electricity (Limited Edition)'', the album achieved the sixth-highest position atop the British alternative music store, MusicNonStop.co.uk sales chart.<ref>{{cite journal |author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = MNS New Year 2009 |url = http://www.musicnonstop.co.uk/newsletters/mnsnewyear2009.html |journal = Music non Stop |type = newsletter |publisher = MusicNonStop.co.uk |date = 2 January 2009 |access-date = 10 May 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120106214646/http://www.musicnonstop.co.uk/newsletters/mnsnewyear2009.html |archive-date = 6 January 2012 |df = dmy-all }}</ref> By November 2008, the band were performing overseas in London alongside Northern Kind and Red Blooded Women.<ref name="FilmFest.com Parralox Feature" /><ref name="Parralox.com Charting information">{{cite web|title=Charting information|url=http://www.parralox.com/|website=Parralox.com|access-date=9 May 2015}}</ref> ''Electricity'' spawned the songs "Sharper Than a Knife" and "X Minus One"; the latter licensed to Nick Bitzenis and George Geranios' Athens based, Undo Records/EMI Greece's compilation album of new electronic pop music, ''Electronically Yours Vol 1''.<ref name="Discogs.com Electronically Yours Compilation">{{cite web|title=Various – Electronically Yours|url=http://www.discogs.com/Various-Electronically-Yours/release/1864634|publisher=discogs|access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref> The band's growing popularity was confirmed when Hollywood gossip columnist Perez Hilton championed the band's first US single, "Sharper Than a Knife".<ref name="SomaMagazine.com Parralox feature" /><ref name="PerezHilton.com Sharper Than A Knife Review" />
The successful independent release of ''Electricity'' led to the band signing with German label, Conzoom Records in 2009. A change of line up that same year saw Roxy replaced by Amii Jackson on vocals and the addition of The Human League's Ian Burden on bass guitar. The daughter of Brian Jackson, lead guitarist for Scottish punk band The Zips, Amii recorded on four of the band's following seven albums, beginning with ''State of Decay'' released 13 November 2009.<ref name="MusicIsMyKingSizeBed.com Feature">{{cite web|last1=Sward|first1=Jamie|title=Hot Electro Pop: Parralox|url=http://www.musicismykingsizebed.com/hot-electro-pop-parralox-2/|website=MusicIsMyKingSizeBed.com|access-date=8 May 2015|date=12 January 2010}}</ref><ref name="SameSame.com Feature" />
=== 2010–2013: ''Metropolis'' and ''Recovery'' === Between 2010 and 2013, Parralox released 3 albums, ''Metropolis'' (2010), ''Metropolism'' (2011) and ''Recovery'' (2013). This marked a period of growth and expansion for the band; in an AusPop.com.au review of ''Metropolis'' the site expressed that "Parralox have ever so slowly been developing into a pop act that excites with each and every release".<ref name="AusPop.com.au Feature">{{cite web|title=PARRALOX ALBUM|url=http://auspop.com.au/2010/09/parralox-album/|website=AusPop.com.au|access-date=8 May 2015|date=27 September 2010}}</ref> The band toured both at home and abroad performing at Infest, UK (2010), Electrocity Festival, Germany (2010), Electronic Summer, Sweden (2012), Poptronik Festival, Spain (2012) and Midsumma Festival, Melbourne (2013). In May 2012, the band's single "Creep" peaked at No. 45 on the US Billboard Dance/Club chart.<ref name='Billboard.com Dance Club Charts "Creep"'>{{cite magazine|title=Parralox: Chart History: Dance Club Songs|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/1496587/parralox/chart|magazine=Billboard|access-date=9 May 2015|date=12 May 2012}}</ref> In 2013, von Ahlen spoke as an invited EDM panellist at The Winter Music Conference, Miami; this same year, London based EQ Music launched its new artist management arm and signed the "electronic pop duo".<ref name="WinterMusicConference.com 2013 Schedule">{{cite web|title=WMC 2013 SCHEDULE|url=http://wintermusicconference.com/events/schedule/2013/|website=WinterMusicConference.com|access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="EQMusicBlog.com About Us">{{cite web|title=About Us|url=http://eqmusicblog.com/about-us/|website=EQMusicBlog.com|access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="Top40-Charts.com Feature and Crying On The Dancefloor Review">{{cite web|title=Electronic-Pop Band, Parralox Releases New Single "Crying on the Dancefloor"|url=http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=101563|website=Top40-Charts.com|access-date=8 May 2015|date=2 July 2014}}</ref>
"Eye in the Sky", the second single from ''Recovery'' is a cover of The Alan Parsons Project's 1982 song of the same name.<ref name="QueerMeUp.com Music Video Review Eye In The Sky">{{cite web|title=Parralox Sets Their Sights High With 'Eye in the Sky'|url=http://queermeup.com/music-videos/parralox-sets-their-sights-high-with-eye-in-the-sky|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209033848/http://queermeup.com/music-videos/parralox-sets-their-sights-high-with-eye-in-the-sky/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=9 December 2013|website=QueerMeUp.com|access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref> QueerMeUp.com called the song a Pulitzer Prize worthy piece of poetry.<ref name="QueerMeUp.com Music Video Review Eye In The Sky" /> The song's visuals were co-directed by John Ibrahim and lead singer von Ahlen with "the modern new face of Chadwick Models", high fashion model Rowena Xi Kang.<ref name=TheFashionSpot.com>{{cite web|title=ROWENA XI KANG|url=http://forums.thefashionspot.com/f52/rowena-xi-kang-224985.html|website=TheFashionSpot.com|access-date=8 May 2015|quote=An extremely modern new face at Chadwick Models Sydney. Her stare is killer.}}</ref><ref name=ChadwickModels.com>{{cite web|title=ROWENA XI KANG|url=http://chadwickmodels.com/models/rowena-kang/|website=ChadwickModels.com|access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="IndieMinded.com Music Video Review Eye In The SKy">{{cite web|title=Eye in the Sky by Parralox|url=http://indieminded.com/2013/11/eye-sky-parralox/|website=IndieMinded.com|access-date=8 May 2015|date=28 November 2013|quote=singer John von Ahlen and fashion model Rowena Kang, exhibit the hauntingly beautiful essence of the track}}</ref>
=== 2014–2017: ''Aeronaut'', ''Reproduction'' and ''Subculture'' === In February 2014, Parralox released their "Eye In The Sky" EP securing the band's seventh German chart position.<ref name="GEWC.de #6 In The Charts">{{cite web|title=Top 15 Tracks|url=http://www.gewc.de/uploads/downloads/gewc%20KW08_2014.pdf|website=GEWC.de|access-date=8 May 2015|date=16 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613230344/http://www.gewc.de/uploads/downloads/gewc%20KW08_2014.pdf|archive-date=13 June 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In July 2014, they released "Crying on the Dance Floor" featuring new vocalist Johanna Gervin and Francine Ihenacho as guest vocalist.<ref name="Top40-Charts.com Feature and Crying On The Dancefloor Review" /> The single climbed to No. 6 on Music Week's Commercial Pop Chart.<ref name=Power.co.uk>{{cite web|title=MUSIC WEEK CLUB & POP CHART & COOL CUTS NEWS 05-09-14|url=http://power.co.uk/music-week-club-chart-cool-cuts-news-05-09-14/|website=Power.co.uk|access-date=8 May 2015|date=5 September 2014}}</ref><ref name="Blog.lafamos.com">{{cite web|title=Parralox's "Crying on the Dancefloor" Charts in UK|url=http://blog.lafamos.com/parraloxs-crying-on-the-dancefloor-charts-in-uk/|website=Blog.lafamos.com|access-date=9 May 2015|date=5 September 2014}}</ref> On 6 October, Erasure announced their London performance dates dubbed The Violet Flame Tour with support from Parralox.<ref name="ErasureInfo.com Violet Flame Tour Dates">{{cite web|title=THE VIOLET FLAME TOUR – LONDON SUPPORT ACTS|url=http://www.erasureinfo.com/the-violet-flame-tour-london-support-acts-announced/|website=ErasureInfo.com|access-date=8 May 2015|date=6 October 2014}}</ref><ref name=EnglandEvents.co.uk>{{cite web|last1=Stevens|first1=Ben|title=London: Parralox supporting Erasure @ The Forum|url=http://englandevents.co.uk/london-parralox-supporting-erasure-the-forum/80478|website=EnglandEvents.co.uk|access-date=8 May 2015|date=29 November 2014|quote=Parralox are official support act for Erasure.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074230/http://englandevents.co.uk/london-parralox-supporting-erasure-the-forum/80478|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="MetalBashing.com Parralox Support Erasure">{{cite web|last1=Justkellerman|title=PARRALOX SUPPORTS ERASURE IN LONDON / ELECTRICITY EXPANDED IN NOVEMBER|url=http://metalbashing.com/2014/10/07/parralox-supports-erasure-in-london-electricity-expanded-in-november/|website=MetalBashing.com|access-date=8 May 2015|date=7 October 2014|quote=Parralox, will be supporting legendary* synthpop duo Erasure in London on December 15th, 2014}}</ref> On 31 October 2014, Parralox released their sixth album, a limited 2CD re-release of ''Electricity'' titled ''Electricity (Expanded)''.
On 3 April 2015, Parralox released the band's seventh official album ''Aeronaut'' which positioned John von Ahlen on lead vocals for the second time in the band's career, this according to LexerMusic.com, marks a new era for the electronic pop act.<ref name=Parralox.com>{{cite web|title=Parralox – Aeronaut|url=http://www.parralox.com/discography/albums/aeronaut|website=Parralox.com|access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="Shop.lexermusic.com Review Aeronaut (Limited Edition)">{{cite web|title=Parralox – Aeronaut (Limited Edition) – (EP CD Single)|url=http://shop.lexermusic.com/index.php?p=product&id=906&parent=0|website=Shop.lexermusic.com|access-date=10 May 2015|quote=Parralox present their brand new single 'Aeronaut', marking a new era for this exciting Melbourne based electronic pop act.}}</ref> The video accompanying the album's lead single "Aeronaut", is shot on location in Paris and is a follow-up collaboration between von Ahlen and creative director John Ibrahim who previously worked on their "Eye in the Sky" video.<ref name="AusPop.com.au Feature" /><ref name="BillsPR.com Parralox Aeronaut Video Single">{{cite web|title=PARRALOX REVEAL THE VIDEO FOR THEIR NEW SINGLE 'AERONAUT' // PARRALOX|url=http://www.billspr.com/news/parralox-reveal-the-video-for-their-new-single-aeronaut|website=BillsPR.com|access-date=8 May 2015|date=7 April 2015}}</ref>
On 10 March 2015, Parralox's German label, Conzoom announced an eighth studio album from the band, then due for release end of 2015, titled ''Subculture''.<ref name="Conzoomrecords.com Subculture Album Announcement">{{cite web|title=PARRALOX ARE BACK WITH A NEW EP!|url=http://www.conzoomrecords.com/index.php/en/news/item/158-parralox-are-back-with-a-new-ep|website=ConzoomRecords.com|access-date=10 May 2015|date=10 March 2015}}</ref>
=== 2017–present: ''Singles'', ''Genesis'' and ''Travelogue'' === {{Empty section|date=September 2025}}
== Touring == Parralox have performed live at various festivals including Infest, Winter Music Conference, Silicon Dreams, Synthetic City, Poptronik, Midsumma Festival and Pride Festival, Melbourne.<ref name="SameSame.com Feature">{{cite web|last1=De Jonk|first1=Travis|title=State of Parralox|url=http://www.samesame.com.au/features/5113/State-Of-Parralox|website=SameSame.com|access-date=8 May 2015|quote=they played as headliner at Melbourne's gay and lesbian Pride March event, to huge acclaim.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522144323/http://www.samesame.com.au/features/5113/State-Of-Parralox|archive-date=22 May 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="DSO.co.uk Infest 2010">{{cite web|last1=Dyer|first1=Rob|title=Infest 2010|url=http://www.dso.co.uk/gig209.htm|website=DSO.co.uk|access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="Starobserver.com.au MIDSUMMA CARNIVAL 2013">{{cite web|title=MIDSUMMA CARNIVAL 2013|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/midsumma-carnival-2013-2/92899|website=StarObserver.com.au|access-date=9 May 2015|date=10 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="Festicket.com Poptronik Festival 2012 Lineup">{{cite web|title=Poptronik Festival 2012|url=http://www.festicket.com/festival/poptronik-festival/|website=Festicket.com|access-date=8 May 2015}}</ref> They have also played support slots for Erasure and Polly Scattergood in London.<ref name=EnglandEvents.co.uk /><ref name=Electricity-Club.co.uk>{{cite web|last1=Ming Lai|first1=Chi|title=POLLY SCATTERGOOD + PARRALOX Live at the Workshop|url=http://www.electricity-club.co.uk/polly-scattergood-parralox-live-at-the-workshop/.|website=Electricity-Club.co.uk|access-date=8 May 2015|date=9 February 2014}}</ref>
== Band members ==
=== Current members === * John von Ahlen – vocals, synthesiser, production, songwriting <small>(2008–present)</small> * Johanna Gervin – vocals, synthesiser <small>(2014–present)</small> * Louise Love – vocals, synthesiser <small>(2015–present)</small>
=== Former members === * Rowena "Roxy" Martin – vocals <small>(2008–2009)</small> * Amii Jackson – vocals <small>(2009–2013)</small> * Ian Burden – bass guitar <small>(2009–2014)</small> * Francine Ihenacho – vocals <small>(2014)</small> * Lillia Auzou (née Mendoza) – vocals, songwriting <small>(guest, 2014–2019)</small> * Phil Ceberano – guitar <small>(2016–2017)</small> * Marcella Detroit – vocals <small>(guest, 2016–2019)</small> * Jane Badler – vocals <small>(guest, 2019–2024)</small>
== Discography == {{main|Parralox discography}}
=== Studio albums === * ''Electricity'' (2008) * ''State of Decay'' (2009) * ''Metropolis'' (2010) * ''Recovery'' (2013) * ''Aeronaut'' (2015) * ''Subculture'' (2017) * ''Reproduction'' (2017) * ''Genesis'' (2019)<ref name="electrozombies">{{cite web |last1=Frenken |first1=Thomas |title=Review: Parralox – Genesis|url=https://electrozombies.com/music/review/parralox-genesis/ |website=Electrozombies |access-date=October 29, 2019 |date=October 29, 2019}}</ref> * ''Travelogue'' (2021)
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{Official website}} * {{Discogs artist}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Australian electronic dance music groups Category:Australian synth-pop groups Category:Electronic music duos Category:Musical groups from Melbourne