PDA

View Full Version : Sparks the Rescue - Eyes to the Sun


Keagan Ilvonen
12/19/08, 09:01 PM
Sparks the Rescue - Eyes to the Sun
Record Label: Double Blind Music
Release Date: October 21, 2008

Every once in awhile, a band happens to take a 180 degree turn. Sometimes the reasons are evident, other times not so much. Sparks the Rescue falls under the latter. Somewhere between releasing a well received EP, being signed to Double Blind Music and the departure of a member, the band took this turn.

When Sparks the Rescue released their The Secrets We Can’t Keep EP they had a sound that could be somewhat compared to Chiodos. But in late June 2008 the keyboardist Marty parted ways with the band. This had a huge impact on the band's sound, which can be heard on their debut record.

Usually when bands change their sound, a lot of their original fan base tends to worry. This should not be the case for this album as there is a good mix to go around. For the most part, screams and heavy riffs have been traded in for catchy choruses and pop rock chords.

Eyes To The Sun starts off with the incredibly catchy “My Heart Radio”, which sets the pace for the majority of the album. Followed by “I Swear She’s The One”, which drills itself into your head with an echoed chorus you can’t help but love. “Autumn”, the album's first single, would be all over the radio if it was promoted better. “Hello Mexico” has become a fan favorite since they started playing it live and it doesn’t disappoint on record. “Skeleton” and “The Gravity” are sort of the crossing of styles. While they still are heavily influenced by the pop hooks, they have a heavier feel to them that is featured on the album's remaining songs. “Chemistry Set” is where older fans will be pleased, from here on out the record is chunkier and more reminiscent of the old Sparks the Rescue. Next is a re-done “Saco Boy’s Have No Class”, which sounds better then ever. Finally the record closes with "Pangaea," probably the most mellow track, but it closes the album nicely.

Sparks the Rescue have proved that they can write some of the catchiest songs out there today, but sadly their label doesn’t promote them as much as they should. If they did, you would hear Sparks being mentioned with some of the top bands of the genre. But if they continue to release albums like this, it won’t be long before they have their eyes set on something other then the sun.

awesome pop rock; catchy hooks; summer music
myspace.com/sparkstherescue (http://www.myspace.com/sparkstherescue)

blebbio
12/30/08, 10:15 AM
I really like this and I prefer it over their EP.

Alex DiVincenzo
12/30/08, 12:37 PM
I enjoyed the EP, but now they're just another generic pop rock band. Granted, the EP was nothing special either, but where it wasn't a full length it was just enough to stomach. Regardless, this is still good, catchy stuff, so if you're into that kind of thing check it out.

SomedayTheFire
12/30/08, 03:01 PM
I liked what they had on the EP, but this just seems like every other pop rock band. I also don't like the singers voice on this compared to the EP.

Edit: After listening to the EP I've come to the realization this album sucks compared to the old stuff. I miss the synth.

rockstar18
12/30/08, 07:02 PM
I LOVE this album...seriously, every song is amazing! Sparks the Rescue is really talented and they are awesome live!

laurelgirl
12/30/08, 07:12 PM
i've been going to sparks shows since i was 16 when they played at the waterville high school talent show. these guys are good no matter what album you listen to. congrats on the new stuff, guys!

and really, for everyone who hates on a band they havent even seen live to see what they're truly about, stuff it.

yourepicending
12/30/08, 07:15 PM
sparks are my boys and while i miss what marty brought to the band, i still love them and their sound more than ever.

Lokotah
12/30/08, 07:44 PM
yah they used to be on my top 5 list but now..... i think the new album is ok... i still can't believe that they removed Marty's part from Saco Boys..... they could have at least had Ben do it....

C_Hood
12/30/08, 07:49 PM
their live performance is friggin sex(y)

thats actually how i found them. i love this album. i like the old EP too, i don't why people think they have to decide between the old sound and the new.

bottom line: go see them live. one of the best live acts i've seen.

wereinlikesin
12/30/08, 07:57 PM
i agree with everything the review has to say.
eyes to the sun is one of my favorite albums of 2008
& i love the boys in sparks to death.

i have been a fan of theirs for the last few years
so when marty left, i was a little worried as to what they would do
but i never doubted them. it's a different sound but it's still sparks the rescue.
alex roy has a voice that can't be mistaken
<33333333

wereinlikesin
12/30/08, 07:59 PM
yah they used to be on my top 5 list but now..... i think the new album is ok... i still can't believe that they removed Marty's part from Saco Boys..... they could have at least had Ben do it....
yeah, well ahve you heard ben scream?
hahaha not trying to hate on him or anything but you would probably complain more
if he did the screaming as opposed to changing the song.

hahahah love you ben briggs (:

yourepicending
12/30/08, 08:03 PM
hahaha i have to agree with kristie on this.
i love ben to death but to be entirely honest, marty was better at the screaming.

Viva Sonata
12/30/08, 09:17 PM
I love Sparks and all, and they're my boys, but The Cambiata is infinitely better than this.

If you guys are looking for a really good Maine band, I've got a review of The Cambiata's most recent release coming up. It might not be edited perfectly the first time round, but this is shit compared to some of the music from this area. No joke.

Keagan Ilvonen
12/30/08, 10:21 PM
You mind sending that my way? I am currently writing a review for To Heal right now to hold me over. Would love to hear what you think of the new album.

Klatzke
12/30/08, 10:52 PM
"Pangaea" and "chemistry set" are my favorite tracks from this, and it's a damn good album. Imo, easily the best pop album I heard this year.

SilenceBrokenTT
12/30/08, 11:45 PM
Hello Mexico is the only track I have checked off to skip whenever I play this album, which is quite often. Definitely one of my top albums of the year. Can't wait for some west coast love.

Jan
12/31/08, 02:14 PM
Marty leaving the band had nothing to do with the band's sound changing. Some people just become happier and don't feel the need to scream anymore. ;)

Best release of 2009. Yes, I said 2009. Keep your eyes out for BIG things to happen with this band.

Klatzke
12/31/08, 04:08 PM
Hello Mexico is the only track I have checked off to skip whenever I play this album, which is quite often. Definitely one of my top albums of the year. Can't wait for some west coast love.
I like Hello Mexico.

Viva Sonata
12/31/08, 10:45 PM
Star Power was a way better song. The demo for Hello Mexico, that is.

lul, My Heart Poop used to be five minutes long.

But seriously. Go check out the Cambiata

iloveATL
01/13/09, 01:23 PM
I just got eyes to the sun signed by Toby yesterday. I was sooo excited. =3 I'll get the other guys, but Toby was in reach. He's amazing ;3 They all are.

Viva Sonata
01/13/09, 01:24 PM
I just got eyes to the sun signed by Toby yesterday. I was sooo excited. =3 I'll get the other guys, but Toby was in reach. He's amazing ;3 They all are.

Toby's a good guy. A-Roy is too. I haven't had much time the other three, but it was usually those two and Marty who I would talk to.

iloveATL
01/13/09, 01:28 PM
I've only met Toby so far. Ben would be easier for me to meet too, Since i know his mom. lol.

yourepicending
01/13/09, 01:36 PM
They're all real good guys :)

dru
08/09/09, 01:10 PM
i really like this album, it's ace

eatbabiesyum
06/03/10, 08:38 AM
love this band :D

jkim4007
02/14/11, 09:46 AM
Star Power was a way better song. The demo for Hello Mexico, that is.

lul, My Heart Poop used to be five minutes long.

But seriously. Go check out the Cambiata
I know it's been over a year, but I've been looking everywhere for those STR demos, if you have them, could you send them to me? Thanks.

Viva Sonata
02/14/11, 10:00 AM
I know it's been over a year, but I've been looking everywhere for those STR demos, if you have them, could you send them to me? Thanks.
Yeah, I still got them.

frostyonfire
03/31/11, 06:41 PM
I notice a little Geoff Rickly in the lead singer of this band.

Mariss3
05/03/11, 06:44 PM
I loved Eyes to the Sun but I'm Super excited for Worst Thing I've Been Cursed with.
Listening to some of the leaks makes me even more excited and I'm hoping to see them in concert again soon, since its been over a yearnow :/

nneandrie
05/09/11, 12:10 PM
Love Eyes To The Sun but their new album is going to be even better. It come out in only one more day!