“Mexico” is a tongue-in-cheek portrait of hyperbolic suburban sprawl, replete with buzz-word-heavy prose of the mid-century American dream. “Let’s find out how Space Age these polymers can be,” croons singer Jody Nelson between sly references to Astroturf and Dianetics.
The piano-driven tune “Falling Out of Favor with the Neighbors” should make Through The Sparks full-fledged stars with its cheeky, burlesque vamping and infectious “boom shaboom, shaboom boom boom” bridge that invites much hip shaking and grinning. The happy-go-lucky bounce of the track seems to belie the subtle hints that the “falling out” in question isn’t simply a matter of social politics but rather atomic aftereffects.
Even the ballads are strong, with “Action Figure Graveyard” and “Only The Messenger” sounding like new additions to the Great Indie Songbook.
Not a single piece of this album disappoints in the slightest; it’s a winning slice of superb songwriting and performance. Lazarus Beach is a breath of warm, fresh air tailor made for late night summer gatherings and convertible car rides through the night – a gorgeous accomplishment that won’t dissipate when the season ends. Its beauty is sure to be perennial and enjoyed for years to come.
– Michael Patrick Brady
Through The Sparks (Skybucket)