Sparrow and the Workshop ~ An Introduction of Sorts

I don’t think I had ever really met a polite American before that wasn’t either looking for a tip, leaning out of a tank whilst asking directions to the nearest oil-rich nation or being played by Steve Martin back in the days when he still starred in good movies.

Sure, this isn’t strictly true. To be honest I’m not sure that this opening gambit is even derived from a bona-fide stereotype (aside from the hint of war-mongering for cheaper petrol prices). I suppose I must be a repressed xenophobe at heart, peering out of the closet door. Taking a step back it’s actually quite harsh to dismiss roughly a continent full of people. Though I’m not going to apologise, for as John Wayne said, that is a sign of weakness.

It turns out that Sparrow and the Workshop’s expatriate front-woman Jill O’Sullivan bucks any trend imagined, or invented, by being an American that is as gracious as a nun (I’ve never actually met a nun so this is probably another inaccurate presumption of mine). But what does it matter if Sparrow and the Workshop are as reputable as the wives of God? It doesn’t make them a good band. They could be really, really shit. Or worse, mediocre! But Sparrow and the Workshop are currently one of the brightest young prospects on the UK music scene. They ply their trade with well-crafted songs that you’ll appreciate and enjoy far more, and far longer, than your average 21st century disposable ensemble.

Sparrow are a surprisingly catchy bunch too (think an amalgamation of Jefferson Airplane, Fairport Convention, Lee Hazelwood and Nancy Sinatra’s collaborations), yet aren’t merely a lazy tribute act to the dinosaur groups of yore currently residing on the senior touring circuit or within various crematorium air conditioning systems. They are themselves, doing their own thing. Don’t get me wrong they aren’t going to be nailed to a cross, for a while at least. There’s nothing too outrageous nor is there much ripping up of the rule book on show, though there is no shame in colouring in-between the lines at this stage of a career. But right now they’re emerging from their formative years, doing a bit of carpentry here and there, not really interested in performing any of the miracles just yet, touring relentlessly and enhancing their profile plugging the soon to be released debut LP, the excellent Crystals Fall.

As of yet there are no official disciples of the group, but a number of respected admirers are coming out of the woodwork. Sparrow have been personally invited to tour the UK and Europe with Idlewild, British Sea Power & the latest incarnation of cult heroes the Brian Jonestown Massacre, and have been busy filling up their dance-card for the summer with festival slots. The group have also been generating positive reviews from various respected media moguls and outlets, most notably Rob Da Bank who on the back of a recent radio session gave Sparrow a spot at his brilliant festival Bestival. Not bad for a Glasgow based trio with questionable facial hair.

SPARROW AND THE WORKSHOP

CRYSTALS FALL LP REVIEW

I was initially tempted to dismiss Crystals Fall as another album from a bunch of 60’s throwbacks, but it turns out that is far more than that. It definitely could have come out a few decades ago and worked, though this isn’t a bad thing. It feels right and certainly isn’t a half arsed attempt to sound retro, or country. It’s authentic. You don’t notice any hooks whilst listening, yet the record subtly seeps through the skin and bone to become instantly familiar.

Crystal Falls is primarily made up of material from the band’s first two EP’s with some additional recordings beefing it up. You wouldn’t know it though for the record is cohesive. It’s certainly not a cut ’n’ shunt money saving affair. It possesses great vocals with real warmth, and finally a good reason for a Scottish band singing with a yank accent. The album is also littered with tasty duets which there aren’t enough of nowadays. On the whole it is an accomplished, confident stride out of the gates from Sparrow and the Workshop, an impressive debut from the trio.

Words by Andrew Kennedy

Band photo: Tom Sheehan