2015 was a rough year for Canadian post-hardcore outfit Sparrows. Injuries to vocalist Dan Thomson and continuous transport woes lead to cancelled tours and many false starts in their upstart career. Happily, the band are now back and determined to use their setbacks as the fuel to fire their sophomore full-length, ‘Let the Silence Stay Where It Was’.
From the off the group’s focus and frustration shines through. Opener ‘Three Four Two Five, Three Four Two Five’ is an intense start, featuring a layer of sinister energy that bubbles and builds throughout the track. It culminates in a spaced-out crescendo of drums and soaring guitars and provides a masterful start to the LP.
The Canadians up the doom on ‘The Written Rules Of Choking’, a song which boasts a similarly explosive finale following a grinding build. ‘Cave Eater’ is another highlight. Both devastating and delicate, Thomson’s pain really resonates, turning his rage into a moment of catharsis.
The angular compositions Sparrows use here become something of a blueprint throughout the record. If anything, the relentless nature of the songs impact starts to lessen by the mid-point. as a result, the band’s lack of variety comes into question at this stage. However, ‘Tinnitus’ is the perfect remedy. Stuffed with a mixture of fat drums, thinly spread guitar lines, and spaced-out synths. The song is a triumphant instrumental piece. Even with Thomson’s vocals taking a time out, the sentiment still shines through. And, by pulling back, the band are allowed to add their own emotion to the chaos. It is another highlight in an album stuffed full of them.
Sparrows have roared back from the brink with ‘Let The Silence Stay Where It Was’, producing a high quality album full of rage and reflection. Do not sleep on this band.
4/5
‘Let The Silence Stay Where It Was’ by Sparrows is out now on New Damage Records.
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Words by Joe Philpott (@joe_philpott)
