Park Sparrows
Demo 2015
It’s comforting to be wooed by a band not on your
predictable radar. Park Sparrows is such a band, perched to remind that I love
good music. This is awesome music. Park Sparrows relish in down-beat, solemn,
atmospheric gritty punk. A solid two step rhythm with an undeniable catchy
swing lies in the pith of these five RVA dudes. Park Sparrows deliver a sincere,
mature sound.
The morose tones,
accompanied by somber and self-destructive lyrics, hit home for any weathered
punk or hardcore kid turn old guy. The gang choruses and “whoah-ohs” capture
the feel of any 90’s streetpunk band, inviting depressed and downtrodden to
join along, after the shot is finished. Harnessing harmonies, Park Sparrows let
the snare charge forward and the raw, open chords set the tone. Regret soaked
lamenting mirrors the fast paced reminiscent lyrics.
Images come to mind, battling catharsis through these
speakers: The golden hue of streetlamps igniting the crest a damp, autumn
morning; a bracing wind cooling off the whiskey sweat on your forehead when you
walk home at two a.m.; some old guy typing to force poetry in punk rock. These
images are there. The lyrics for Spark Sparrows cut straight into the gut.
There are talks of break-ups that finally heeded the extensive harbingers, and
shouldering all of the blame. “Horoscopes” reflects on getting out of the
hospital immediately, despite better judgment and sound medical advice. There
is true depth in the words sung here. Freeman Martin’s vocals have a hardened
lesson touching each syllable.
“I’ve never been one
for waiting and I’m not staying here tonight”
This doesn’t sound like a demo. I wish they would have just given it a name.
I d o not see any level of production pushing this to another level. The open
live sound, fits perfectly – and the mixing gets all the kicks and cymbals,
the off notes and string highlights and bass level where they should be. Again,
the choruses and backing vocals are placed strategically for emotional impact.
But if this is a demo, let’ get to the new EP or LP! Steeped in RVA history,
members spent time in quite an eclectic array; Wheelbite, Freeman (which was ¾
of Avail), Murder Weapon, Dead Serious, Scarlet, The Hotdmans, Strike Anywhere.
Some of those sounds apply here, some don’t but these are seasoned vets playing
punk for its own rewards. Shows are quickly amassing and hopefully the word
will spread.
“I heard you’re wondering if I’m doing well/ would it make
any difference if I was going through Hell?”
RIYL: Strike Anywhere/Inquisition, Avail, Leatherface, Epic
Problem, Good Riddance, Only Crime, GC5, Whiskey Rebels
No comments:
Post a Comment