Fans of the smart, fun, and exciting power pop of Vancouver's late and lamented
Zumpano no doubt were simply thrilled with the emergence and brilliance of
the New Pornographers, who are led by
Zumpano's Carl Newman. It also left them wondering what happened to the rest of the band. Well, wonder no more because Sparrow is led by drummer (though he sticks to keyboards and vocals here) and band namesake Jason Zumpano and has the group's Michael Ledwidge on guitar from good measure. This is the part of the review where
Zumpano fans will want to read that Sparrow is another great band that, like
the New Pornographers, writes sparkling and super-catchy songs full of intelligence and exuberance. Sadly, this is the part of the review where
Zumpano fans will be disappointed: apart from the rollicking (and most
Zumpano-sounding track on the record) "One Eyed Closed" and the too brief instrumental "Carnival," the record is a subdued, restrained, and predictable slab of chamber pop (the requisite pianos, strings, and
Beach Boys references are all present and accounted for) that never comes to life. The blame partially lies with Jason's flat voice, which really doesn't do much to help out the linear melody lines that pack no surprises or thrills. It also lies with the trite and uninteresting lyrics and the unimaginative production. The drumming is also not very exciting. Jason is such a great drummer it is criminal that he isn't behind the drums here. Sparrow's debut is a big letdown for fans of
Zumpano and fans of exciting modern pop music. At least there are
the New Pornographers to help ease the pain. ~ Tim Sendra