Punk Canada
[Overcoat/(none)]
2003
Rating: 8.0
Best Song: A Broken Sign
Today it is raining, but the weather doesn’t really matter. The sun could be pouring through fog at 6 in the morning on the way to hand in an essay, or a summer rain could be leaking in through an open window and Sparrow’s self-titled release will still be a beautiful soundtrack. You see, Sparrow is happy music; upbeat drumming, light piano, and catchy guitar noodling, all fitted to vocals that aren’t abrasive, or mind-blowing. Not to say that the vocals aren’t great, just to say that they are relaxing, they don’t steal too much attention, but they surely don’t leave you feeling dissapointed.
Before I bought Sparrow’s cd, I was unaware that I had heard them on a local compilation entitled Sunny, which featured local Vancouver artists, and accompanied a childrenAcaacs book with the same title. Mountain On Mountain is the first track on the album and the track from Sunny. It begins with trebely guitar weaving in and out of fluttering piano, giving it a natural sound that goes along with beautiful lyrics depicting nature. This is the essence of Sparrow; lush instrumentation, mixed with soft vocals that seem to express everything that is beautiful, and this is why this album is so uplifting.
Don’t Stand On Me is the standout track on the album, with a piano that punches along a soft drum beat, and introspective lyrics. As the chorus builds up the piano explodes, giving way to a folky guitar interlude, finally ending with a tone of happiness and a beautiful piano solo. Light and airy, much like the nature they reference, is what makes this Vancouver band so different from the music that has overtaken the Vancouver scene. This is what makes them special.
Catchy lyrics, beautiful piano, a cello, and violin, and a slew of other instruments makes Sparrow the perfect summer music to relax to, or wonderful melody for a rainy day. The last track A Broken Sign winds down much like the perfect summer day would, ending softly as the sun sets on the ocean.
-Chris Walters