You know those Harry Potter jellybeans where you randomly get a really nice tasting one or a bad one? The sound’s emanating from London based quintet Spar Marta can be described as if you were to eat the entire box in one, greedily glorious mouthful. An orgy of genres appear one after the other, tangy sweet tastes replace bitter harsh hints and the dance between uncertainty and overwhelming curiosity begins.
The first jellybean from the 6 track self-titled EP is a tasty one, as ‘The Postman’ kicks off with a familiar rush of classic hard rock riffs from guitarists Luke Wilson and Conor Taylor, complimented with a tight thumping rhythm section from bassist Sam Liddle and drummer Dan Purvey. Just as you get into the head banging swing of things though, the light and floaty indie verses introduce a clean cut guitar and bright, soft vocals from Ieva Aleksandrovičiūte. Yes it’s the same song, and yes I didn’t attempt to pronounce that surname either.
Spar Marta don’t just stop at the saturated cocktail of rock and indie though, as the eclectic music tastes of the band each get a chance in the spotlight to make their own debut appearances, including a Carlos Santana inspired guitar solo and funky bass lines. You’d be a fool to stop listening when hearing the reggae guitars on ‘Let it Go’, as leaving before the tumbling choruses that have Ieva brandishing the alternative influences of Gwen Stafani from her No Doubt days would be a huge mistake.
‘Frey’ takes a backseat with soothingly mellow verses, whilst the overlaying lead guitar teases virtuosity without peacocking and muddying the waters. Sharp drums and fuzz guitars startle the tranquil aura with an unholy breakdown that threatens bite, leaving you constantly questioning if this is the same song or a different track, or indeed, the same band.
Fraternising with the divergent strains of music even further, ‘Take Control’ slips screamed vocals in between the poppy hooks of this radio friendly and easily accessible track. The more ballad-like ‘Syand’ injects a blissful serenity to the albums fluctuating vitality.
The final track ‘Run’ encapsulates the entire sound of the band in one song; starting off sweet and innocent, the bridge uses jungle-like rainforest sound effects to create a galloping build up, the intensity making you feel like you’re trapped inside a game of Jumanji.
Overall Spar Marta have found not only a creative and inspirational way to cross conflicting genres, but to also accomplish the blend with ease. A little something for everyone whilst offering experimentation, it’s hard not to enjoy.
'Spar Marta' is out now on all streaming platforms.
Click here to listen on Spotify.
Here for their YouTube Channel.
And here for their Instagram.