Customer Reviews

Early Years

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In 2003, Jason Zumpano introduced the world to his new band Sparrow, with a self-titled debut... that was as aggressively dull as the name of the band might suggest. Well, unlike many other artists, Zumpano has apparently learned from his mistakes.

The indiepop of "The Early Years" becomes quirkier and sunnier; Sparrow now sounds like a less unhappy sibling of the Shins. Things open with the violins and horns of "Flower," a chirrupy little tune that sounds ready for a waltz. It's a charming intro, and it will get listeners anticipating the waves of fun, charming indiepop to come.

Zumpano and Co. don't disappoint, keeping their sound light, charming and decidedly catchy. Most of the songs here are infectious to the point of aural plague; it's hard not to bounce in your seat when the chiming, swirling guitars of "This Is How It's Done" kick in. The only problem is that some of the catchy songs start to blur together, with such similar tempo.

But really, infectious indiepop alone isn't enough to make an album really good. Sparrow also tries some softer, slower music. "Gone" and "I Wouldn't Mind," while they have their catchy moments, also rely on long instrumental stretches. In a generally sunny album, those songs are a few welcome moments of melancholy.

Jason Zumpano, who is best known for his work in the New Pornographers, appears to be getting better with time. I didn't really like Sparrow's debut, which left me dubious about the second album. Fortunately, it seems that Zumpano decided to make an album with the same basic elements, but completely opposite music.

The usual rock lineup is given a bit of flavour, including piano, Rhodes, farfisa, violin and cello. There's also a lot of horn playing, which makes the pop melodies seem a bit richer. Rob Calder is to be commended for his lightly swirling guitar, but all the band members do a good job.

Zumpano does most of the singing himself, and while he's not outstanding, he has a pleasant voice that fits well with his music. The only problem is that the songwriting can be decidedly thin. "I heard a door knock late last night/and I knew it was you/so I packed all my things..." he croons in "Late Last Night," a pleasantly peculiar love song.

Sparrow started off singing a weak note, but "The Early Years" shows Zumpano and his band getting a handle on catchy, sweet pop. May they keep on with that.

This full-length debut from Sparrow reveals Jason Zumpano (formerly of the Sub Pop band Zumpano) continuing an interest in crafting lush but straightforward power pop. And while the effort is sometimes fresh and infectious, recalling a younger Ben Folds with its sweetly whine-tinged vocals and piano-driven melodies, The Early Years is also a very uneven record, merely dotted with an occasional powerful, heart-stopping hook (the kind that merits listening at all). The title track itself is the strongest here, revealing a layered emotional urgency with its beautifully harmonized vocals and an inspired intertwining of a quick, pulsating violin and drumbeat. Unfortunately, many of the other songs fall somewhat flat, sounding so conventional with their plentiful oohs and ahs, and repetitive choruses that they become familiar enough to ignore.

- Willow Elizabeth
Synthesis.net