Alternative-rock band The Parlotones strike a perfect balance of throwback musical flourishes and modern experimentation. On the string-swept “Push Me to the Floor” and the ringing rocker “Life Design”—both from 2009’s Stardust Galaxies—the Johannesburg, South Africa, band combine Radiohead’s complexity with the swooning drama popularized by ’80s alternative greats. Vocalist/guitarist Kahn Morbee formed The Parlotones in 1998 with a college classmate, drummer Neil Pauw. The pair were soon joined by Paul Hodgson—he and Morbee bonded after being kicked out of the library for playing guitar—and Paul’s bassist younger brother, Glen Hodgson. The band released their debut album, Episoda, in 2003, and started connecting with bigger audiences thanks to 2005’s RadioControlledRobot and 2007’s A World Next Door to Yours. A major-label record deal led to even more opportunities, including opening a U.S. tour for Blue October, and an increasingly global profile. In 2020, The Parlotones released a holiday album, Strike the Harp.