Sparkadia @ The Metro, Sydney(8/9/11)

Tue 13th Sep, 2011 in Gig Reviews

For a while there, the departure of all Sparkadians save front man Alex Burnett could very well have spelt the end for the much loved Aussie band. Yet determined not to admit defeat, Burnett bunkered down in London to almost single handedly write a strong collection of beautiful, haunting pop songs. Such work has come together to make up Sparkadia’s second album, The Great Impression. With his highly capable new band mates, Burnett is now riding on the much deserved success of his latest album, touring the nation with his incredible new repertoire of catchy, melody drenched songs. Delivering a captivating set at The Metro, it was perfectly clear that the excitement surrounding Sparkadia is far from over as their sound and popularity continues to expand.

Taking the slot of main support was Imaginary Cities, a five piece outfit hailing from Winnipeg, Canada. Creating soulful pop music, their sound is uplifted by Marti Sarbit’s jazzy and commanding vocals. With a voice that shifts from soft and vulnerable to powerful and soaring, Sarbit held the crowd’s attention from start to finish. Tracks Say You and Ride Them Out were highlights of the set as these songs were crafted to start out slowly, gradually culminating into a driving pop melody. Imaginary Cities’ set list could have been more dynamic, yet overall they delivered an enjoyable performance. Out to promote their debut album Temporary Resident, the Canadian band’s popularity is sure to keep on rising.

Sparkadia’s strength lies in their ability to play catchy pop melodies that showcase Burnett’s soaring, angelic voice and the musicians managed to do this perfectly throughout their performance. Playing to a highly enthusiastic and admiring audience that filled up the venue, Sparkadia played a set list predominantly from their latest album. Not only playing for punters but for triple j TV, Sparkadia were out to show us their music at its very best.

With punters letting out cheers of excitement with the first few notes of every song, it became clear that Burnett has a great talent for writing one catchy song after the other. The crafty musician also has a flair for providing us with variety, mixing the more atmospheric, heartfelt songs with the livelier, stomping numbers. Such slower songs included their opening song The Great Impression, as well as the yearning Ghost. Sung with great sensitivity, Ghost was certainly a favourite as it showcases Burnett’s ability to sing with impressive sensitivity.

Other crowd pleasers included the sweet pop number with its off-kilter beat, Talking Like I’m Falling down Stairs. China was a sure favourite, while Mary showed off Sparkadia at their most dramatic. Bringing vamped up gospel singers onto the stage for this number, Burnett stomped around the stage like a crazed preacher, getting the crowd to dance and sing along wholeheartedly.

For encore, Alex brought an acoustic guitar onto the stage for a solo performance of the ballad Space and Time, from Sparkadia’s 2008 debut album, Postcards. Rejoined by fellow band members for a dramatic delivery of Hurt Me, the band then closed with an upbeat, sprawling rendition of Jealousy, culminating in the end with a huge, impressive instrumental section.

Burnett is a truly gifted songwriter and musician and his performance alongside his band mates on Thursday night stood as testament to this. Undeniably committed to playing pop music at its very best, Sparkadia certainly know how to engage and impress their fans.