Released in early 2012, Minnikin’s third album, ‘Parakeets with Parasols,’ Gabriel brings a grandiosity and cinematic sweep to his country-folk stylings. The lyrics are stark, but are beautifully enhanced by a full orchestra. The vast range of instruments is woven together to form a vibrant dialogue; they complement each other, and occasionally spar. But Gabriel unquestionably knows when to pare the sound back, to rein the energy in and leave you in pools of peace where you sink fully into the songs. Female vocals are scattered throughout Gabriel’s work, reflecting a tough steeliness and tender melancholy. The Manchester Evening News lauded the album as “the best album by a Manchester-based artist in 2012 . . . an orchestral country-pop masterpiece.” (David Sue - Manchester Evening News - Fri, April 20 2012) User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.