Wednesday 25 June 2008

Sparkadia - Morning Light review

A review written for the Music Magazine website.

An interesting new Australian band with much more to offer. Check out the MySpace site.

The review:

When a band has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Death Cab For Cutie, Ben Lee and Vampire Weekend even before the release of a debut album, we should expect greatness. Sparkadia, a new band from Australia have recently been snapped up by British Ark Recordings and producer Ben Hillier (Doves, Elbow, Blur). The band now release 'Morning Light' from their 'Postcards' album.

It is clear from the opening drums of 'Morning Light' that producer Ben Hillier is heavily involved. Singer Alex Burnett has an oddly British and nonchalant sounding voice as he croons through the verses, lifting into a teasing pre-chorus. But the structure of the song is not the problem. Burnett's voice strains as he sings "Just let go, Just let go..." and after the third time it becomes annoyingly whiny and uninspired. There are better moments of lyrical prowess as the story concludes: "When fireworks punch the sky, sand stuck on my feet so tired. Tried moving them around - but it's midnight here of a new year", but the whole arrangement lacks melody and flow. Some much needed vocal quality is added by Preece and Rabone but it is never enough.

Ultimately 'Morning Light' never reaches the greatness it aspires to contain. Sparkadia have much better songs that this - 'Too Much To Do' and 'Animals' are far superior examples of what the band are made of and what 'Postcards' has to offer.
-- CS (for The Music Magazine 2008)

1 comment:

Pae said...

I disagree. His voice doesn't struggle at all.