MAKE SPARKS - Rewind CD-EP
The first EP consisted of an absolute all-time classic track and three other great tracks – can they top that with this new 7-tracker? Read on.........
The new EP opens with the title track and, what starts as a phased sea of guitar, then into a lurching slice of rhythm work, rapidly moves into this flowing verse with soaring vocals, lush harmonies, and then into an awesome chorus with smooth, high-flying harmonies and impassioned lead vocals over the stuttering guitar and solid rhythmic undercurrent. The way the song then drives forward through superbly arranged drama of alternately powerful and elegant guitar work, vari-paced rhythms, the twists and turns of the song, an amazing collection of hooks and choruses, with the main chorus at the heart of things, is simply a masterpiece of songwriting, in that they've made something deliciously complex into something completely commercial with seeming ease and confidence. “I Just Woke Up” is altogether more hard-hitting, opening with jagged guitar, dramatic drumming and emotive vocals before deep bass and warm harmonies enter as the whole thing then takes off tot he skies, only then to return to the staccato playing and singing of the verse, leading once more into the mighty roar of the guitar-fuelled chorus, with a guitar hook that “Money For Nothing”-era Dire Straits would have killed to have created. But the song is no slouch – this thing takes off like a rocket on the chorus and its energy is exhilarating.
“Hey Kid!” takes no prisoners as it immediately opens as an impassioned slice of songwriting, the almost anguished vocal over chiming guitar chords, dirty bass and solid drum work, a thing of mesmerising qualities as the song is unleashed on waves of surging lead vocals and exquisite harmonies, counterpoint vocals adding an extra dimension to a song that, once again, is superbly arranged, almost complex, yet possesses a flow that's absolutely astounding, undoubtedly Scottish indie at its finest and a song that, in theory, with all the variations along the way in terms of dynamics of instrumentation and singing, shouldn't work, yet turns out to be incredibly accessible, enjoyable and positively addictive, something so inventive that it could only have been done by this band. “Now You'll Listen” begins with booming bass and guitar riffing like slow-motion rifle-fire as an almost hushed vocal anguish intones its lyrical dram over the top before the whole thing lurches into life with a striking lead guitar riff, driving rhythms and a chorus to die for. In, by now, typical Make Sparks fashion, they take the song briefly down a different avenue before returning to the massive flow of the verse before, once more, tearing into that mighty, uplifting, anthemic chorus. The way the band move through complex arrangements and effortless choruses to create something so addictive, is an absolute joy to behold, and the playing, for a trio, is solid, epic and muscular.
“God's Eyes” starts off at a rapid pace, a bit akin to “The Difference” off the second Wallflowers album, only then to accelerate into this rapidly urgent surge of guitar, drums and bass as the biting vocals are unleashed with real feeling and positive anger, totally in keeping with the pace of the song, yet fuelled by lush and strong harmonies, with the trademark variation of arrangement allowing the song to drop down for just a few seconds before the rocket lifts off once more on this out-of-control express ride to indie heaven, short, sharp and hitting the bullseye every time. “Unconvincing Smile” delivers the indie ballad that you might have been expecting, at just the right time in the running order, as this wonderful song is delivered by the electric band with a yearning emotion to the lead vocals as they reveal feelings and emotions which touch your heart as the band has an almost military quality to the the rhythms and riffs and the presence of more lush harmony vocals adds the icing to the cake. But then the song takes a new turn and, on a wave of rising guitar riffs and leads, the rhythm section climbs and intensifies, the vocals take to the skies and the powerful ballad turns into a veritable anthem, the massive song rising up majestically into the skies, and ends.
Finally, “Old Friends” ends the CD with a huge, powerful sea of adrenaline-fuelled guitar work, wild, rolling drums, pounding bass and more impassioned vocals, as the song unfolds to dramatic degree, that distinctive twang of the Scottish vocal, weaving its way into your heart and mind as the song drives ahead in a mighty mi x of verse and hook, rising and intensifying on a tidal wave of harmonies that sound just gorgeous and yet so strong. As you might expect, they take the song down a few different avenues of commanding quality and hypnotic variation, before returning to the epic chorus and band-driven drive.
So, have they gone one better than the first EP? With a vengeance, they have – creating 7 amazing songs which are the epitome of inventive, original, unique and commercial – indie song-writing, playing, and arranging at a peak – and the best thing is – you just know that there's a lot more to come!!