Spark
"The Junk Capitalist EP"

The name of Spark wasn't new to me, but I can't recall where I have heard Spark's sound before. Regardless, the music I found was as I suspected and remember it being: IDM. While web surfing this last weekend, I stopped by the n5md label's website to look up information on them and their artists. Spark happens to be one of them, and is to be releasing a new CD sometime later this year. For the time being though, Spark has given us "The Junk Capitalist EP" to listen to and enjoy from his website (which is still under construction).

This EP comes in the form of 4 songs, that all have similar traits but each have a unique aspect. "Tcohouur" starts off with tiny bell like chimes, over a chopped up landscape of ambience. A slow, steady drum beat travels through the song never becoming louder then the glitched filled electronics. Very delicate in nature, and retaining a beauty throughout it's entire length. "Charger" changes things up with deep, clearer synth tones and a slightly faster beat. The tiny chimes, beeps, blips and tones remain present, but are compliments to the beat this time around.

Following "Charger" is the fastest track of all four "Chugnaut". The xylophone intro gives the song a playful sound, which then gets swept up into a flurry of drum beats. Well crafted breaks in the beat, introduce new effects that take this song spiralling away seemingly faster and faster. Not a dance track (this beat is way to fast!), but not a laid back or slow song. I can't help but find a smile on my face after each listen. In closing is the longest track, "The Junk Capitalist" which starts out with slightly hectic glitches, and quiet static before slowing it's pace. Long synth keys, draw out the beauty in the the laid back pulses and reverbrating tones. A perfect closing for 3 songs which already had impressed.

Quite an impressive showing I thought. Maybe nothing ground breaking for the IDM genre, but certainly not a below standard showcase of tracks. Spark catches my attention though with each track, and avoids losing my attention by changing patterns constantly and adding in intricate details to each song. Take a moment and check out these songs, I think there's something enjoyable to be found for each listener. Heck, you can't beat free music either when it's of great quality either!

Information:
Label: n5MD
Serial: N/A
Title: The Junk Capitalist EP
Band: Spark
Site: Spark Webpage and n5md webpage

Reviewed by Bry'n
6.17.02