Sparrow And The Workshop - Black To Red (EP Review)
Wednesday, 01 December 2010
Written by Brian Thompson
Upon discovery of Sparrow and the Workshop’s multicultural line-up, which features an Irishwoman, Welshman and Scotsman, I found myself conjuring up the opening line of a rather tiresome quip.
However, with all juvenile thoughts aside and under greater scrutiny, the music is anything but a joke. In fact far from it as the trio welcome us into their novel realm of dark, folk-rock by releasing a teasing follow-up to successful debut album ‘Crystals Fall’ with EP, ‘Black to Red’.
‘Black to Red’ and ‘Medal around Your Neck’ lay claim to the more upbeat moments of the EP and whilst the latter sounds especially similar to Canadian indie-rock band the Sadies, it’s the former that provides the major focal point.
Title track, ‘Black to Red’ does cut an awkward composition. Initially the erratic melody and injection of piercing electric guitar sound slightly misplaced but after a few bars it begins to find its feet. Leading the chorus march is of course the lofty tones of Jill O’Sullivan coupled with the subtle backing vocals of Greg Donaldson who really compliment each other beautifully.
Track 2 is a cover of the Cars ‘Just What I Needed’ and again harmonies work a treat. And although it’s an endearing acoustic version which they manage to put their own stamp on, it’s compromised somewhat by a whistled solo...why?
‘Tired of This Town’ is an incredibly stripped back tune and with it practically devoid of any musical input, except from some simple yet effective picked guitar, we come to rely on the stirring partnership manufactured by O’Sullivan and Donaldson.
With a haunting, almost angelic delivery we are not let down.
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