Sparklejet - Beyond the Beyond Review
.
Sparklejet is the type of band I would expect to show up in a mid-80s van, muffler hanging, oil leaking, then proceed to rock any and all, young and old, Skynyrd and Nirvana, only to be paid in domestic beer. That might be all they'd expect. Point being, too often a band like Sparklejet, and an album like Beyond the Beyond, does not get its due credit, because it is what we consider bar rock, and most people influenced by alcohol and sex fail to analyze (or recall) the soundtrack to their shallow existence. Giving the dog its due, this 3-piece from Fresno chose the perfect city, Chicago, to borrow for the recording of Beyond the Beyond. In their finer moments, Sparklejet is much like Silkworm, full of tracks that kick you in the face while Victor Sotelo lurks lyrically in the shadows like the guy you don't want to fight in the crowd because he's not outwardly displaying his superiority. This is what distinguishes the band, and the exact reason Beyond the Beyond was perfect for Steve Albini. "Imbecile" is the most legitimate Nirvana sound you will ever hear from any band not named Nirvana. "Clever Personality" is so smart it is easily one of the top tracks of the past year. As Sotelo says, "Everyone wants someone to believe/Like hands that grease the palms of currency/You're the clever personality." Sparklejet is both clever and believable. Tracks added to Ipod: Clever Personality, Imbecile, The Defector, This Is Not Here, Let's Behind That Place, Cubby
CD Info and Links
Sparklejet - Beyond the Beyond Label:Long Live Crime Records
Rating:
Preview and Purchase This CD Online
Visit the official homepage
More articles for this artist
tell a friend about this review
.
...end |
