ALBUM REVIEW
Artist: Sparkwood & 21
Album: By The Water’s Edge
Website: www.sparkwoodand21.co.uk
MySpace: myspace.com/sparkwoodand21
Facebook page: facebook.com/pages/Sparkwood-21/7284843273
By The Water’s Edge, the debut album by Sparkwood & 21, has been highly anticipated by the faithful, who regularly commute to their live shows; most notably at their recent album launch in St. Brides Church as part the Family Folk-up. The band has taken its time in recording this album but it’s been worth the wait.
Sparkwood are a brotherhood from Liverpool led by Dave Williams and John Daglish. Although they form the heart of the group, it would be a mistake to overlook the rhythm section of Nik Kavanah and Steven Silker, who deliver just the right ambience. Sonically, the band creates a rich aural landscape courtesy of Jeff Jepson as their producer. Mandolin dominates proceedings but never sounds in any way intrusive. Stylistically you could term their music Americana and Alternative folk with references to Fleet Foxes and Wilco.
Slip Away is an understated opener that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Indeed the band has a gift for understatement but they’re not afraid to rock out whenever the occasion presents itself. Musically they group display great dynamics; most notably on the tracks To Be On My Own and Still. There is a melancholic undertone in much of the material but this serves to make the album a cohesive statement. Even the more light hearted moments are undercut by its lyrics; Down On Love and Never Meant are a case in point. Despite the melancholic nature of the material however, I found their music joyous and uplifting and this is probably reflected by the large following the group continues to enjoy. Yes it’s possible that the writer of this material has suffered but it’s the type of suffering that the listener can relate to. The highlight Heaven Only Knows displays what this band is really all about; great songs, gorgeous harmonies and tasteful musicianship.
For first time listeners this album may not grab you straight away but in the tradition of great music repeated listens will reveal it charms and is a record that will hold up far longer than any current disposable fad that gets over promoted.
The album is available now using Paypal.
© 2009 Stuart Todd
Liverpool Acoustic – liverpoolacoustic.co.uk
Just a reminder that Sparkwood & 21’s next gig is this coming Friday 22nd January at the View Two Gallery. Full details here and facebook event here.
I got the album at their launch party and think it's just brilliant. They have such a gift for melody, it's just beautiful.