Search - Sparkler :: Wicker Park

Intricate lyrics, grooving riffs

Dianne J. Pope | Irvine, CA USA | 10/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw and heard Sparkler at my High school in 1998. They were publicized as Britains greatest band, although at the beginning of their show they announced, "We're Sparkler, from Hollywood", with no trace of a british accent. They forgot mike stands and had to duct tape their mic's to garbage cans that were attached to broomsticks. Despite their more than humble stage set-up, after listening to a demo tape and buying their CD, they became one of my favorite bands.
Rick Parker's lyrics and his delivery of them are so pure and uncontrived. He has a great alternative droan to him, that I would categorize as a cross between the guy from Oasis and Jakob Dylan from The Wallflowers. The guitar playing is also excellent, the riff's are catchy and go from hard to sweet at various points, which is a great mix. The production of the album is also excellent, good mix of the vocals and instruments, neither one out-does the other.
Among my favorite songs are "Don't Despair" (It has a KISS reference in it), "Hey 17" and "Grand Arrival". The band is no longer around as far as I can tell, their website has been dead for sometime and they haven't put out an album in 4 years, but if you can hear me guys-I'm waiting!"