V Sparks

ALBUM REVIEW FROM LOSING TODAY INDIE MAG

"Chicago based quartet who it seems know a thing or two about spanking good tuneage - describing themselves in the ‘sounds like’ section as ‘72’ - well they ain’t kidding because these cuts really do sound like they’ve been cultured in a rose tinted era that was so much seemingly innocent and carefree than today, a time of tank tops, glitter, big hair, cheap aftershave, satin, androgyny and platform boots. Blending 50’s styled popsicle bubblegum accents with audaciously humungous hooks, V Sparks craft teasingly feel good pop epics that hone in on - with unfailing precision - past conquests conceived by the likes of Sweet, T-Rex, Quattro and Wizard and into the bargain deliver up quite possibly one of the most fashionably out of step things we’ve heard since the Eskimos ‘something must be transmitted somehow’ and last years incredible ‘secrets of the witching hour’ by the Crimea which all said and done was our favourite moment of the year by far. ‘Sweet Kiss’ with its slinky Ronson struts and saccharine glam swagger comes across like a blended brew of DNA procured from Stardust, Glitter and Bolan. Elsewhere there’s the Lynne and Co harmony induced purring power surging MOR mini opera motifs of ‘making friends’ and ‘red love suicide’ which nibbles greedily at the riff from T-Rex’s ‘get it retuning itself super sexily into the melodic equivalent of a 50’s drive by love in. Though we must admit we are overtly smitten by the 50’s styled graduation ball beauty ‘out of control’, free of the baco-foil and the throbbing bombastic nature of the bands usual aural template, this curvaceously slow to unfurl slice of tingling tenderness caresses and swirls tides more associated with the quieter and more matured moments of Suede’s euphoria laced ‘coming up’ while seductively arming itself with momentous heart crushing peaks of symphonic grandeur that will floor you with their tear induced demeanour. An album is currently doing the rounds at the local hop."



With the blood and glitter of 70's Glam Rock, V Sparks have burst through with a sound and attitude sure to steal your attention. The Chicago based quartet consists of extravagant lead vocalist V (Vocals,Keys) , Prescott Kagan(Guitar), Keith Hosmer(Bass) and Adam Long(Drums). Drawing from past luminaries as David Bowie, T.Rex, The Beatles and ELO to modern acts as The Arcade Fire, The Strokes and Vampire Weekend they have brought to pass a contemporary glitzy mess of rock that you cant help identify with and feel good about. Having played with such big name acts as The New York Dolls, Ok-Go, VHS or Beta, and The Lovehammers, V Sparks consistently entertain and engage their audiences with eclectic pizazz and unfailing precision. They have performed at well respected Chicago stages the likes of The Double Door, The Metro and The Bottom Lounge(to name a few). Equally as solid is the 2007 self-titled debut album. With standout tracks "Red Love Suicide" ,"The Glitter End" and "Making Friends", V Sparks proves that they can deliver the goods in the studio as well. Beautifully melding glitzy glam ,good old fashioned Rock 'N Roll with orchestration and pop sensibilities uncommon in todays music. These guys just may be the modern day answer to the genius of great music past.