Legendary South African singer-songwriter Tim Parr has released his highly anticipated new EP, Malachi’s Dream — a compelling five-track collection that reaffirms his place as a vital voice in the country’s music landscape.
As the founder of iconic bands Baxtop, Ella Mental, and Zap Dragons, Parr brings decades of musical experience to this introspective and sonically rich project.
On Malachi’s Dream, Tim Parr blends soul-searching lyricism with diverse soundscapes, delivering a set of songs that feel both timeless and current.
The title track, “Malachi’s Dream”, soars with layered instrumentation and echoes of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, setting the tone for an emotional and atmospheric journey.
“Green World” offers a psych-pop reflection on climate change, balancing a sense of whimsy with urgent messaging.
Check out the video for this track below:
The catchy “Two Sides (Of the Same Coin)” channels Beatles-esque energy, with scruffy melodies and vintage pop charm.
And in “You Light Me a Light”, Parr delivers a raw tribute to the late James Phillips—one of his most vulnerable and heartfelt recordings to date.
Far from resting on his legacy, Tim Parr uses this EP to showcase artistic growth and emotional resonance. With production by Tim Parr and Matthew Fink, and mastering by Fink at Atomic Studios in Johannesburg, the project boasts both polish and authenticity.
“Malachi’s Dream is a journey through memory and meaning — a reflection of where I’ve been and where I’m going. These songs carry the spirit of the past but speak to now, with heart, grit, and hope,” says Parr.
Stream the EP HERE.
More info about Tim Parr
Tim Parr’s influence on South African music began in the mid-70s with Baxtop, a southern rock-blues band he co-led with Larry Amos. Their single “Work it Out”, released by Warner Brothers in 1979, remains a staple of the local rock canon.
In the 1980s, Parr co-founded Ella Mental with Heather Mac. The band became a household name with multiple radio hits and festival appearances, defining a generation of South African pop-rock.
After the music scene in South Africa fragmented in the late ’80s, Parr moved to Ireland and recorded an album with celebrated producer Stewart Levine. Despite high hopes, the result failed to reflect the band’s essence.
Disillusioned, Parr returned home and formed the Zap Dragons—a band known for its electrifying live performances during a pivotal time in the country’s social and political transformation.
This period culminated in the release of his acclaimed solo album Still Standing, an emotionally rich blend of country, blues, soul, rock, and pop that solidified his reputation as a masterful solo artist.
Whether fronting bands or going solo, Tim Parr’s hallmark has always been his expressive guitar work and signature vocal style. His rhythm playing is as emotionally resonant as his leads—grounded, soulful, and unmistakably his own.
Malachi’s Dream is not just a return—it’s a reaffirmation. A bold, honest, and musically rich offering from an artist who continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in his craft.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
Like what you do? Buy us a coffee to enable us to bring your more content like this.
Want to stay in the loop with all things SA Music? Get in the Zone!
Looking for something to do? Check out our Upcoming Events section or the SA Gig Guide.
Want to explore the SA Music Scene? Check out our Artist/Band/Group Profiles section.
Want to discover fresh music? Follow our editor's 2025 playlist on Spotify.
