Marc Valentine - Basement Sparks (2024)

Basement Sparks is a hell of a title for a record, isn’t it? Would be a great name for a music blog as well. It’s the title of the second solo Marc Valentine LP that is out today through Wicked Cool Records. Like on his previous LP Future Obscure, Valentine (of Last Great Dreamers) is at the top of his game and clearly having fun with it. It’s a blast to witness.

Basement Sparks contains eleven uncomplicated modern power pop tracks with a touch of ‘70s glam rock that makes for super smooth listening. Marc Valentine keeps his foot from the brakes on the majority of the songs – 3AM Anderson Drive and Ballad of Watt are the sole exceptions, and doesn’t seem to worry about the effect the amounts of hooks and sugar may have on the personal health of his audience. Basement Sparks is unabashed fun and a natural fit on the throwback rock-‘n’-roll discography of Wicked Cool Records. Fans of Weezer, Ash, Fountains of Wayne and Ryan Allen should take note as well.