You just got to like a record with a title like Spark’s debut album on n5MD and in addition it’s a regular digi-pack CD, so it’s far more accessible than usual. The sources of inspiration are probably as many as the tracks on this album and it’s not necessary a bad thing. However, at times the playfulness and specific source of inspiration takes complete command over the compositions and the end-result is suffering, giving some tracks an almost generic feeling. That is not the case in the opening “The Robotic Girl Next Door” or “Untitled” with their cheerful melodies, choirs and played deep basslines. “Rebound” uses nice church bell like elements for melody, a straightforward kick and sprinkled beats leading to a good old fashion break – lovely track. Other tracks that stand out are: “Choptravel”, “Token Ring” and the finishing melancholic yet harsh “Where Are You?” All in all Spark makes an interesting debut album, but a bit more restrain in the use of his sources of inspiration and possibly fewer tracks would have made it an even better debut album. Nonetheless is well worth getting and yet a good release from American based n5MD.
electronic desert ≡ revisited + extended