steering clear of the mainstream
since 2001

june 2010

review
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info opinion

Barry O'Brien

"Spark" CDEP

Self-released

Genres: pop/rock, indie pop, power pop

July 18 - 24 2005

Barry O'Brien's Spark brings on four fine tracks of infectious, radio-ready pop/rock music that avoids tired mainstream clichés by instead opting for a concise, melodic route.  The fun starts with the energetic, memorable "Cut Me Out," which could have been a mid-90s adult alternative hit (and I mean that in a good way).  "The Strangest Game" and "Under The Waves," meanwhile, are energetic power pop tunes with very catchy choruses (something like a male-fronted Cardigans), while "Sisters in the Sky" is the disc's sad ballad (used in a short film called "Monster," it could actually be the most infectious track on Spark).  Upon first glance, I didn't think I'd like this disc - it looked like little more than a bland, folky singer/songwriter romp; however, after giving it a chance, I'm fully sold.  Spark is pop/rock at its finest.

83%

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 4 tracks, distributed by CD Baby, released 2004]