Los Angeles-based Sparro invaded the Irish charts with the pounding slice of digi-soul electrofunk that is ‘Black And Gold’. It’s included here on a promising debut album which nods towards Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.
The Gaye influence gives Sparro a sensuous edge that could help him transcend the genre, especially in the invigorating ‘Hot Mess’ and ‘21st Century Life’, both of which are ace dancefloor fodder. He applies his evocative voice to full effect on ‘Pocket’ and the Prince-like ‘Clingwrap’. He has an obvious ambition to stand aside from the herd, and lyrics like “If vision is the only validation, then most of my life isn’t real,” suggest he’s thinking both outside and beyond the box. If Sparro can continue to make music that appeals to ears, mind and feet, he could be around for the long haul.
Key Track: 'Black and Gold'