Sparkadia Review on Listen Before You Buy
Listen Before You Buy, a Pennsylvania based music blog dedicated to exposing up and coming indie artists, posted a great review of Sparkadia’s The Great Impression. Check out what they wrote about the album:
Originally starting life as a four-piece, Australia’s Sparkadia released their first album a few years ago, only to break up a year later. However, front man and founder Alex Burnett did not give up on his initial vision. Keeping the band name, he transplanted himself to London, recording his first solo effort as Sparkadia with the production help of Mark Tieku (Florence And The Machine). His new solo endeavor, “The Great Impression” (released through OK!GoodRecords earlier this year), is a bold, heartfelt debut complete with swirling ’80s-style synths and powerful choruses. Already a significant chart success in Australia, Sparkadia is quickly gaining name recognition in the UK. With a penchant for powerfully heartbreaking lyrics and a fully realized singular sound, Sparkadia is in the process of shooting through the sky like a Roman candle.
“The Great Impression” features Burnett on almost all instruments, including such alternative mediums such as scrap metal, gongs, and scaffolding. With a soundscape that fits nicely between M83 and “The Soft Bulletin”-era Flaming Lips, Burnett has a specific auditory vision that welds dreamlike pop elements with decidedly rock-n-roll underpinnings. Standout track “Talking Like I’m Falling Downstairs” is reminiscent of early Police. With a sharp, driving percussive electronic backbeat, it is hard not to find yourself dancing without realizing it. There is a certain early ’80s midnight FM radio feel to the song that makes it a full throttle, satisfying pop experience. This similar driving force is continued on with “China”, which bursts into an opulent crescendo of a chorus that encompasses all that is pure and good of the best tracks included on 1980s John Hughes flicks.
It is obvious that this is music that has come from extremely dark times, including a generous amount of personal anguish. Peppered throughout this record are references to self-doubt and nervous breakdowns. There is definitely something reminiscent of “Ashes to Ashes” –era David Bowie that strikes me about this album. It is that sense of disappointment and disillusionment that comes from transcending through a wretched series of events. The dark undercurrent that weaves its way through this rather dream-pop album is hauntingly compelling. It keeps the listener on their toes and intrigued. The thought that went into the production of this album is superb and all parts fit together like a well-oiled engine.
Powerful, yet delicate, all the right decisions have been made compositionally. However, at times, it feels a bit too slick. I dare to say that leaving a few loose threads exposed could have been beneficial. There are so many lovely elements, especially in the looping, glistening bells and brilliant use of echoing in “Ghost”, for example, that I wish had been dealt with in a bit more of a lo-fi manner. The polish isn’t necessary. In fact, if there was just a bit more grit involved, it would really pop out in all its complexities. The incongruous nature of the subject matter would definitely serve that sensibility well.
Burnett has the vocal abilities the likes of which I haven’t encountered since Jeff Buckley! He can hit those gorgeous,crystal-infused high notes like none other, offering the listener a sucker punch straight to the solar plexus. My regards must be given to Burnett for enduring such rocky difficulties and then emerging with a collection of music that he should feel very proud of. With a pop hook or lilting crescendo lurking around every corner, Sparkadia offers a mixed bag of surprises in the guise of gorgeously executed, dreamy power pop.”
Read the original post here: http://www.listenbeforeyoubuy.net/listen/introducing-sparkadia/
Buy Sparkadia’s album, The Great Impression, now! http://okgoodrecords.com/blog/2011/10/18/sparkadia-the-great-impression/
