:: Sparkadia - The Great Impression

Sparkadia

Is the year of the one-man band (think Oh Mercy)? Sparkadia was a band, now it is one man - Alex Burnett, he of the perfect choirboy voice. Handling preliminary production, instrumentation and vocals all on his own, Burnett manages to retain that Sparkadia sound which was loved promisingly on 2008’s “Postcards” record. Perhaps, on this album, he has penned a few too many similar-sounding tunes, which makes it slightly less engaging. Mind you, the shedding of members is not evident on The Great Impression, such is the warm, full sound that fills the album. There are female choirs, strings and walls of various atmospherics that back up Burnett's matured songwriting. The changing of reigns is directly evident, however. These are big songs and he was clearly aiming for a big sound. Burnett's vocals have the ability to go either way - either emotive and sweet, or more affected. Whichever way you think, the ultimate enjoyment of this album will be decided there. Catchy with a bittersweet sentiment, the album runs resonant with bells, chimes and an echoing flow of singer Alex Burnett’s lyrics which leaves the record drenched in depth. There is something remarkably tender to each song individually, and together the album is refreshing in it’s slow waltz pop that isn’t soppy. Highlight tracks to note are “China”, “Love Less Love”, “Shoot Straight” and the title track. The album is a triumph of production, with London-based Mark Tieku (Florence And The Machine) polishing these songs to an immaculate sheen. Admittedly “The Great Impression” won’t be to everyone's taste but you can suggest that this album surpasses anything Sparkadia has achieved in the past, and it is clear that he is moving in the right direction.