In the realm of art-pop, few acts have maintained the level of inventive audacity that Sparks have exhibited over their five-decade career. With their 28th studio album, MAD!, the Mael brothers—Ron and Russell—continue to defy expectations, offering a record that is as unpredictable as it is exhilarating.
‘MAD!’ unfolds like a sonic kaleidoscope, blending genres and styles with the precision of a master craftsman. From the opening track, ‘Do Things My Own Way’, the album sets the tone with its bubbling synthesizers and intricate arrangements. This track, along with others like ‘Running Up a Tab at the Hotel for the Fab’, showcases the duo’s ability to fuse elements of new wave, synth-pop, and art-rock into a cohesive and compelling narrative .
The album’s production is self-assured, with the Maels at the helm, ensuring that each track resonates with their unique vision. The use of layered instrumentation and unexpected shifts in tempo and mood keeps the listener engaged, never allowing the album to settle into predictability.
Lyrically, ‘MAD!’ is quintessentially Sparks. The Maels delve into themes of modern absurdity, consumerism, and identity with their trademark wit and satirical edge. Tracks like ‘JanSport Backpack’ and ‘My Devotion’ explore the trivialities of contemporary life, offering commentary that is both humorous and poignant .
However, not all lyrical endeavors land with equal impact. Some songs, such as ‘Do Things My Own Way’, tread familiar ground, maintaining the band’s signature style.
Amidst the playful experimentation, ‘MAD!’ also offers moments of introspection and grandeur. ‘In Daylight’ stands out as a track that embraces simplicity and sincerity, providing a contrast to the album’s more eccentric offerings .
‘Drowned In A Sea Of Tears’ is poignantly beautiful with a motorik thrum and yearning vocals. Dappling instrumentation underlies the searing melodies, typically enigmatic and studied with the trademark vocals.
The lyrics have a bleak romanticism:
We were ecstatic even though it would rain We were so frantic as we biked around Spain Were we romantic or just out for good times Two of a kind
Now I can see I was blind
Drowned in a sea of tears
Almost saved her, I was so very near Drowned in a sea of tears
Though I tried, I couldn’t ease all her fears
The falsettos and layered harmonies with an operatic timbre cannot be mistaken for any other artist. The melodrama of the accompanying video perfectly reflect the theatricality of Sparks:
The album culminates with ‘Lord Have Mercy’, a sweeping, gospel-tinged anthem that encapsulates the band’s ability to blend earnestness with theatrical flair. The track’s soaring vocals and powerful instrumentation serve as a fitting conclusion to an album that is both a reflection on and a celebration of the madness of modern life .
‘MAD!’ is a testament to Sparks’ enduring creativity and relevance. The Mael brothers continue to push the boundaries of genre and form, delivering an album that is as ambitious as it is entertaining. While not every experiment yields a masterpiece, the album’s successes far outweigh its missteps, reaffirming Sparks’ status as one of the most innovative and enduring acts in contemporary music.
‘MAD!’ is out now through Transgressive Records and available to order here and through the link below.
Feature Photograph: Munachi Osegbu
