Sparks the Rescue - Eyes to the Sun [Album]

**Rob H** · 02:01 PM

Today I spun "Eyes to the Sun," the new release from Sparks the Rescue, an American Pop/Punk band from Portland, ME. Sparks the Rescue has released 3 EPs to date but "Eyes To The Sun" is their first LP. The disc is full of high-energy, catchy songs. The harmonies are fat, the guitar work is broad and pounding, and the hooks are appealing, if predictable. It must be said, they work in some well-traveled territory. Looking for comparisons? They sound like a Poppier version of Blink 182 or a lighter version of Sum 41 or just like +44.

So, the music isn’t ground-breaking. That said, they do it well. If you like Punk-influenced Pop, you will probably enjoy "Eyes to the Sun," as Sparks the Rescue show a definite talent for crafting appealing Pop songs.

A few highlights:

'Hello Mexico' has a nice hook and contains a clever turn of phrase or two.
'I Swear that She’s the One' features a bright and comparatively unpredictable vocal melody and well-placed harmony vocals.
'Chemistry Set' is one of the darker songs on the disc, a minor-key celebration of the power of drugs to help one forget painful memories.

Overall, this sound isn’t really my thing. Personally, I don’t like any of the bands to which I compared Sparks the Rescue to above. However, this Pop Punk has a huge market as evidenced by the platinum records earned by, for example, Blink 182.

Sparks the Rescue appear to be putting in the work and time on the road to support this release, touring this summer with The All-American Rejects, playing festivals, and getting one of their songs ('Hello Mexico') included in the first episode of the Real World Cancun.

Sparks the Rescue has a mainstream sound, lots of energy, and a pretty good look, so I predict big things for the band.

Leave a Comment | Kudos

altsounds · Comment Posted on: September 30, 2009, 02:02 PM

Nice review of a genre you don't really enjoy. Well done.

jack s · Comment Posted on: September 30, 2009, 05:36 PM

That's strange man, i saw this in the moderation and got a little confused. Is this a re-release? Was it a hard copy? Because i did a review on this same album a few months ago as a hard copy. Agreed, they are pretty shit.

Rob H · Comment Posted on: September 30, 2009, 06:21 PM

There was a U.S. release and a U.K. release. The U.K. release had a couple bonus tracks that I didn't get so apparently I had the U.S. version. Not sure how it got back in the "To Review" pile.

jack s · Comment Posted on: October 1, 2009, 04:37 PM

Ah i get it now, its still shit.

Rob H · Comment Posted on: October 1, 2009, 05:27 PM

Eh, different strokes. I sure they'll sell a squillion copies. But not to me.

Review Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Item
Rate This Item:


MUSIC & MORE: Music Artists Full Album Streams Radio Stations Charts Artist / Listener Blogs Games Arcade Browse Press Users Browse Listeners	PROFILE SIGNUP: Reader Artist Listener PROFILE LOGIN: Reader Artist Listener	PRESS: News Reviews Features Gear Altsounds TV Giveaways Community The Staffroom Site Editors	BLAND INFO: Help / FAQ About Us The Team Contact Us Promote Us Advertise Here Legal Stuff

> Home > Reviews | Sparks the Rescue - Eyes to the Sun [Album]

Sparks the Rescue - Eyes to the Sun [Album]

Hassle Records

September 29, 2009, 02:44 PM

Leave a Comment | Kudos

#1 | Subscribe | Send to Friend | Print | Discipline | Report

Downloads

50%

"Check out the new look site and the studio arm of Altsounds.com!"

Re: Sparks the Rescue - Eyes to the Sun [Album]

Leave a Comment | Kudos

#2 | Subscribe | Send to Friend | Print | Discipline | Report

Re: Sparks the Rescue - Eyes to the Sun [Album]

Leave a Comment | Kudos

#3 | Subscribe | Send to Friend | Print | Discipline | Report

Re: Sparks the Rescue - Eyes to the Sun [Album]

Leave a Comment | Kudos

#4 | Subscribe | Send to Friend | Print | Discipline | Report

Re: Sparks the Rescue - Eyes to the Sun [Album]

Leave a Comment | Kudos

#5 | Subscribe | Send to Friend | Print | Discipline | Report

Re: Sparks the Rescue - Eyes to the Sun [Album]

Leave a Comment | Kudos

#6 | Subscribe | Send to Friend | Print | Discipline | Report

Users Viewing This Review: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)