March 1, 2025, marked the arrival of “Parade,” the latest and perhaps most poignant release from Midcoast Maine singer-songwriter Torin Muccino. A deeply expressive and thematically rich four-track EP, “Parade” finds Muccino refining his craft, seamlessly blending folk, rock, and Americana elements while delivering evocative narratives with raw, impassioned vocals. Available on all streaming platforms and in physical CD format exclusively through Bull Moose in Maine and New Hampshire, “Parade” cements Muccino’s place among the most compelling voices in contemporary indie music.
Muccino’s musical journey began at sixteen when he first picked up the guitar and started writing songs, and that formative passion has never wavered. After a stint in Austin, Texas—where he even found himself on the set of AMC’s “The Son”—he returned to Maine with a fresh artistic vision. That vision comes to life on “Parade,” his fourth release since 2018, recorded at Evergreen Studio in Bath with his father, veteran musician and producer Chris Muccino, at the helm. Featuring an impressive roster of Maine-based talents—Mike Chasse (drums), Greg Goodwin (bass), and Hamilton Belk (pedal steel)—the EP strikes a balance between deeply personal storytelling and the collective energy of a seasoned ensemble.
The EP opens with the instrumental “Intro,” an atmospheric prelude that sets a reflective tone with its warmly picked acoustic guitar, shimmering keys, and delicate synth strings. This tranquil start serves as an invitation, drawing the listener into Muccino’s world before launching into the title track, “Parade.”
A standout piece and the first single from the EP, “Parade” is an electrifying anthem of alienation and defiance. It begins with a strummed acoustic melody before building into a surging sonic landscape, where percussion and electric guitar drive home the song’s urgent message. Muccino’s lyrics paint a stark picture of disconnection—of moving against the tide in a world seemingly set in rigid motion. The metaphor of the “parade” is particularly striking: a procession of societal conformity, where the protagonist finds himself marching in the opposite direction. The song is both an observation and an act of rebellion, a refusal to surrender to a world that feels staged and insincere.
The lyricism within “Parade” is both poetic and pointed. References to “lovers tearing us apart” hint at romantic disillusionment, yet the song quickly pivots to a deeper camaraderie—an unbreakable bond with “brothers” who stand together against the current. The tension between isolation and solidarity fuels the song’s intensity, culminating in a cathartic declaration of resistance: “We’ll tear this town up.” It’s a moment of emotional release, a declaration of identity and strength.
The EP continues with “Hold On (Gray Man),” a track that exemplifies Muccino’s ability to fuse folk introspection with rock intensity. The song opens with rich acoustic strumming and introspective vocals before erupting into a bold, alternative rocker. Driven by thunderous drums and an electrifying full-band arrangement, “Hold On (Gray Man)” serves as a powerful meditation on perseverance, pushing through uncertainty with grit and determination. Muccino’s vocal delivery is particularly striking here, carrying an edge of vulnerability while maintaining an undeniable strength, perfectly mirroring the song’s lyrical themes.
The EP closes with “Almost Home,” an aching ballad steeped in Americana warmth. Muccino’s voice echoes powerfully within the haunting, organic arrangement, his lyrics carrying a sense of longing, nostalgia, and quiet hope. The pedal steel lines weave through the melody like ghosts of memories, adding to the song’s introspective depth. It’s a fitting finale, one that lingers in the mind and heart long after the final note fades. The song’s arrangement is sparse yet deeply resonant, a testament to Muccino’s ability to create vast emotional landscapes with seemingly simple instrumentation.
Born and raised in the musically rich communities of Bath and Wiscasset, Torin Muccino grew up immersed in sound. His father’s influence and the eclectic mix of artists he admired—including Cage the Elephant, Portugal. The Man, Alt-J, Elliott Smith, My Morning Jacket, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin—shaped his artistic sensibilities. His travels across the country and time spent in Austin broadened his creative perspective, adding layers of depth to his songwriting.
“Parade” is a testament to that journey. It is an EP that speaks to the outsider, the dreamer, the fighter—those who refuse to be swept away in the current of expectation. With compelling storytelling, intricate musicianship, and a voice that cuts straight to the soul, Torin Muccino delivers a work of art that is as thought-provoking as it is sonically captivating. Every note, every lyric, and every carefully crafted moment within the EP resonates with a sense of authenticity that is increasingly rare in modern music.
The story of “Parade” is far from over. On April 5, 2025, the official music video for the title track will premiere, followed by visuals for “Hold On (Gray Man)” and “Almost Home.” Created by Maine-based filmmaker Peregrine Starr—whose previous work includes collaborations with Human Moods and Kurt Baker—these videos promise to add yet another layer of depth to an already immersive project. Starr’s unique visual storytelling will undoubtedly complement Muccino’s evocative lyrics, transforming each song into a multi-sensory experience.
The music videos are expected to take a cinematic approach, capturing the themes found within the EP. The raw energy, the tension, and the introspection will be translated into striking visuals that further solidify Muccino’s artistic vision. These releases will offer fans a deeper glimpse into the emotional world he has crafted, ensuring that “Parade” is not just heard but also felt and seen in a truly immersive way.
With previous releases including “Live From Maine” (2021), “Adeline” (2020), and “For The Times” (2018), Torin Muccino continues to carve out his place in the indie music landscape. “Parade” is an experience, a declaration, and a milestone in a journey that shows no signs of slowing down. Each track offers something new, from moments of delicate beauty to bursts of raw power, proving that Muccino is an artist who refuses to be confined by genre or expectation.
For those seeking music that resonates on a visceral level, “Parade” is essential listening. This is the kind of record that doesn’t just pass by unnoticed—it leaves an imprint, inviting listeners to march to the beat of their own drum, just as Muccino has done throughout his career.
Official “Parade” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4Lqn7evmwA (drops 4/5/25)
Website www.torinmuccino.com
LISTEN HERE: Parade EP by Torin Muccino
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