Sparkadia

To be (psychedelic) or not to be, that was the question… Actually that wasn’t even running through my mind as I walked into the doors of Bar Broadway. Things had changed over the years I’ve seen them and going from hand written demos CDs to getting branded with a customised ‘Sparkadia’ stamp, I was sure their sound had been somewhat affected especially with the continuous line up changes. I didn’t have time to ponder about differences that night, it was time to let the band speak for themselves, and it was time for me to listen.

The support act Richard in Your Mind was a self-described as experimental pop band and that is exactly what they sound like, experimental. The band was mix of all sorts sounding folk then somewhat rapping (or at least some sort of rhythmic spoken word) whilst trying to wow you with glitter confetti and a harmonica solo. Kind of confusing really…

By the time Sparkadia hit the stage it was refreshing to hear a band with a sense of direction. Long gone are the 80s jump suits but armed with a new addition (Josephine- keyboardist/ tambourine player extraordinaire) the band proceeded to play to a packed house.

Sparkadia had a slow start but the second tune was one I definitely recognized. “Too much to do” was definitely a crowd favourite that got everyone engaged into their performance. The compositions weaved in and out pop stylings and heavy drumbeats whilst some songs were a bit confusing when it started of as a drum focused song only to have that radio friendly beats kick in the middle but those surprises was what made it fun for the crowd to listen to.

The band closed with their latest single “Morning Light” (and if you’re quick enough you can score it for free on the Triple J website!) then the band proceeded to walk off the stage. There were calls for an encore but it was ignored and the red theatre curtain came to a close, but just like the song I guess sometimes you shouldn’t waste time looking back- “just let go”.

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