Music > Live Reviews

Sparks

The Adrian Flux Waterfront

19/09/17

Well, Sparks, then. Of course there's THISTOWNAIN'TBIGENOUGHFORTHEBOTHOFUS (der der der der), we all know that. But did you know that Sparks have recently hit the number seven slot in the UK charts with their hilarious and brilliant album Hippopotamus? Pretty amazing for a band that was started by the brothers Mael back in 1968. If Sparks have played Norwich before, it's not been for some time.

The Waterfront is uncomfortably sold out tonight, to the extent that for 98% of the gig at least 27% of the audience is unable to see what's happening onstage apart from the odd sighting of a member of the band. It's a shame that I have to spend the gig running around, politely pushing my way through to what looks like a good spot only to realise I've been thwarted again. The crowd are in that unmoving mood. It looks to me like there's a healthy portion of headteachers, chiropractors and architects there as well as a healthy dusting of art-house types and middle aged ex punks and goths. Nice people. I just wish they'd have let me in so I didn't have to just eat my Quavers and listen, only imagining what was happening onstage.

You know you're at a gig worth going to when the merch stall is selling a published book of the band's lyrics, a Sparks jigsaw puzzle, a vinyl box set priced at £100 and a paper fan. I saw an actual man buy an actual £100 box set. People are in it for lyf with Sparks.

So to the support act, Mr Goodnite, real name Tyler Parkford, also in the band Mini Mansions and a dead ringer for Rob Delaney. Singing in a high voice in his retro suit, initially painfully out of tune with a recorded 50's music backing track, we're a bit nonplussed by this. By the second track he's more on the ball, and his voice starts to soar. There's more than a touch of Mike Flowers about him, a little Scissor Sisters and a definite hint of a lounge crooner. It's not bad, it's not great but it is surprisingly pretty entertaining considering there's just one guy on stage more or less doing wedding karaoke at a quiet and respectful volume. It was a set that made me go hmm.

Sparks appear onstage to a rousing classical fanfare. All dressed in black and white striped tops and black jeans (except for Ron, in a striped jacket and tie, natch), they elicit huge cheers from the crowd and look genuinely delighted to see us. They start with What The Hell Is It This Time, the second single from Hippopotamus, and one of my favourites. They make a truly huge sound - the ever dapper, ever straight faced Ron on keys, and a drummer, two guitarists and bass player of the highest ilk. I even spot Mister Goodnite on back up keys. Russell is all over the stage, bounding about like a lithe 17 year old French boy, despite the fact that he is actually 68 and has a head of suspiciously dark hair. The drums in particular are fucking MASSIVE and THUMPING throughout the whole set. There are hugely energetic and positive feels emanating from the stage. The new songs, of which the majority of the hour and 20 minute set are made up, are super fresh and alive, yet there's also a timeless elegance and musical gods feel to them. They take the time between songs to smile and appreciate the rapturous applause and whoops. It's easy to hear how much of an influence they've been on so many acts since '68, from the Pet Shop Boys to Human League to The White Stripes to John Grant. When Do I Get To Sing My Way is pure Killers (there is a mutual love between their bands) but way way better - it's a proper electro classic, with drum rhythms from heaven. Hippopotamus, Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me), I Wish You Were Fun and Dick Around are a few highlights in an absolutely spot on, 20 song, sharp as a tack set which is vocally 100% perfect - I love that we can hear every word. Musically they cane it, but are then so deft at pulling it back in within a second. It's a hard job to be dramatic, classy, funny and enthusiastic, and to do it all without taking a wrong step. There's an incredible warmth and inclusivity to their show alongside the intense showmanship - the crowd are mad fer it. I see nothing but rapt, excited grins around me (except for those struggling to see!). Of course, THISTOWNAINTBIGENOUGHFORTHEBOTHOFUS causes the biggest stir, and it's one of those fantastic live experiences you get with such a well loved, well known song - you can't quite believe you are seeing *that*guitar riff being played live right in front of you. We get an encore after the longest and loudest period of applause I have ever been a part of at any gig in Norwich before, and extended calls for more. We never want them to leave. Russell tells us that this is the first night of the UK tour, and he's so grateful to us for making it such a memorable evening for them. They stand at the end, Ron shyly bowing, and Russell clearly delighted with our appreciation. I'm pretty sure I see grown men wiping tears from their eyes as they leave. It's been an amazing night of top musicianship, showmanship and friendship.

Sparks sing the line "Live fast and die young. Too late for that." Man, I'm glad they didn't - they still have so much left to give.