Album Review: Sparrow And The Workshop - Murderopolis
- Written by Rob Aldam
There has always been a touch of the theatrical about Glasgow’s Sparrow and the Workshop. Their previous outings Crystals Fall and Spitting Daggers mixed playful folk with a sleazier rock side. The Irish/American, Welsh and Scottish trio seem to have grown into their sound since they began back in 2008. Murderopolis sees any tentativeness or uncertainty dissipate to be replaced by a strong sense of direction and focus. They seem to have finally shaken-off the shackles of nostalgic pining and found their own true voice.
Murderopolis is a much darker record that both its predecessors. Jill O’Sullivan’s blues-tinged drawl seems more pronounced and sultry than ever. Their sound is noticeably bigger throughout, mostly eschewing the softer Americana aspects of their music in favour of a more elaborate and sometimes gothic feel. Old fans will not be disappointed though as their signature Roots sound is still in evidence in songs such as ‘Water Won’t Fall’ and the outstanding ‘Avalanche of Lust’.
What makes Sparrow and the Workshop so great is the way they create such beautifully dense and layered music with seemingly consummate ease. It all seems so simple yet utterly perfect. Without resorting to unnecessary flashiness or procrastination they prove themselves to be superb musicians, mixing in bluesy rock with a darker theatrical edge, whilst retaining components of the folk sound which they are known for. Lead single ‘Shock Shock’ is a jagged spiky gem full of emotional intensity and dirty luscious vocals. ‘Valley of Death’ is a swirling dark miasma of torment whilst ‘Darkness’ lives up to its name; gothic chants explode into an almost operatic cacophony-Jill reeling off an impressive vocal range with aplomb.
Muderopolis is characterised by the sheer quality and diversity that runs through every one of the eleven painstakingly assembled songs. They have produced a record that not only fits perfectly into their impressive catalogue but builds on what they’ve done before. Sparrow and the Workshop may go quietly going about their business but they are fast becoming a band who demand attention.
Murderopolis is out on May 27 and is available from amazon
and iTunes.
