The Sparklers - Miss Philadelphia (2022)

This loud, melodic band from Philadelphia, who have been recording and playing together since 2001, are clearly fans of and influenced by The Clash, The Replacements and Husker Du – they combine a real twenty first century freshness with a throwback to the late 70s when rock ‘n’ roll fused with punk.

The Sparklers’ third full length album release, ‘Miss Philadelphia‘, should be played at full blast! The trio – Brian McCracken on vocals and guitar, John Douglas Smith on vocals and bass, and Steve Kirsch on drums – create a brilliantly exciting, loud and distinctive sound, featuring ‘heart on the sleeve’ lyrics, anthemic guitars and driving rhythms. From the opening chords of the excellent ‘Slow Songs Fast‘ to album closer, ‘Positively Broad Street‘, the pace barely lets up, and it is easy to imagine these songs played live in a small, sweaty bar with the audience packed in and singing along to every chorus.

Take, for example, this reviewer’s personal favourite ‘St Bridget’s Cross‘, which starts quietly then builds superbly with a refrain that really works its way under your skin. It’s a great track fom a quite excellent album.