Customer Reviews

Not So Merry

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anyone remember Audiovent? Anyone? After playing under the name of Vent, they spent years without a record deal but in 2002 released their full-length debut, "Dirty Sexy Knights In Paris," and had a minor hit. However, the timing just wasn't right. There was already an Incubus (guitarist Ben Einziger and vocalist Jason Boyd were both brothers of the Incubus counterparts) and already a group that sounded kinda like Incubus tearing up the charts, Hoobastank, so unfortunately, Audiovent fell to the wayside, and broke up.

So what am I getting at? Well, two members of Agent Sparks were in Audiovent. Ben Einziger not only returns as guitarist, but also shares vocal duties with Stephanie Eitel (who is best known for doing back-up vocals on Weezer's "Beverly Hills"). Bassist Paul Fried, also previously of Audiovent, also returns to his instrument in this new band, which is easily way more diverse and interesting than Audiovent ever were (sorry). "Not So Merry," as produced by Incu-bro Mike Einziger, is just a five song EP, but it manages to showcase a band doing something a little different than the norm. The first thing you will think when you hear "It's Not My Time" is that Ben sounds an awful lot like Frank Black of The Pixies. It turns out he has a pretty solid voice! Stephanie compliments him well, and probably the best on "Camouflage," which sounds like a more exciting Radiohead. "Choke" is probably the hit out of the bunch. If they were to release a single (if they haven't already) I think this would be the best choice.

It may only be five songs deep, but "Not So Merry" is worth buying for two reasons other than the great music. First, it has an excellent bonus-DVD that features three videos, plus interviews. Second, the album cover. Just look at it. Upon my first close look, I could not stop laughing! Just priceless. It will be interesting to hear what Agent Sparks pulls out for their full-length debut, but if this is any indication, it's gonna be pretty damn interesting. If you're looking to discover something new and worth listening to, here you are.

I'm a big fan of the band Agent Sparks, so of course I was happy when the EP came out. The band has a great, unique sort of sound that can't really be categorized. Paul Fried really busts out some amazing basslines, and the rest of the players show their best as well. I'd reccomend this EP/DVD set to almost anyone; the music that Agent Sparks plays should please a large audience.

They were great live; I can see the comparisons to The Pixies. Very very energetic. Loved it. Ordered the EP. Album out May 30.

amazing music out of la... reminds me of a cross between the pixies and x, but poppier. the dual vocals are really refreshing. . . you can tell these cats have talent. i would rate this as one of my favorite records of the year.