BANDS:

Punk & Ska
80's New Wave/
Post-Punk/
College Bands
90's & Beyond
Virginia, North
Carolina, & DC

Through the Sparks: Coin Toss EP
[Skybucket]

This reviewer listened to this EP again and again, giving it full attention. I spent nearly an hour trying to decide where Coin Toss fits in the panoply of options that indie pop presents; I tried to assign some similarities of style, or cull some influences from the guitar and vocal work. I simply cant find any I have no idea where Through the Sparks came from, and more distressingly, I have no clue where they are headed.

The Coin Toss EP is a six-song set of mid-tempo indie pop, with the standard array of pianos, drums, and multiple guitars to build the melodies. There are some interesting harmonies (like the chorus on Squatters) and great guitar on all the tracks. But the voice of Jody Nelson is unremarkable, as are most of the melodies and lyrics. Under A Tonka Yellow Moon is the best track on the EP; the message is easier to identify, and the arrangement is fairly spare, touched up with a beautiful harmonica solo. Home Labotomy is pretty good, too, with its own harmonica bridge. Repeated listening to these two songs made a theme almost emerge a sort of indie pop ode to classic rock. Maybe.

Normally, this reviewer finds it easy to either praise or malign an album. Based on the merits of playing, lyrics, voice, and melody, this is the core of a reviewers work. Through the Sparks presented a challenge, because there is nothing particularly notable in their music. The Coin Toss EP is simplistic, uninspired, and plain. As harsh as it may sound, the band will have to start turning out material more arresting than the Coin Toss EP to make an impression in anyones mind.

Through the Sparks Official Website

Check Amazon, Insound and CD Universe to purchase this album.

More Album Reviews

About LOTD        Contact/Staff        Advertise        Home

All content  LEFT OFF THE DIAL 2001-2005. All rights reserved.