Sparks’ Ron and Russell Mael first burst onto the scene more than 50 years ago with the smash hit This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both of Us and their accompanying 1974 LP ‘Kimono My House’. Since then they’ve found it hard to stand still, with a string of critically and commercially successful records setting the table for a late-career purple patch encompassing some of their finest work and cool side quests such as their FFS collaboration with Franz Ferdinand and Edgar Wright’s documentary on the group. ‘MAD!’ builds upon this run and, for a pair in their 70s, their creativity still astounds.
While many acts might play it safe after so long in the limelight, the Mael brothers continue to innovate and find enchanting new chapters in their storied legacy. On ‘MAD!’ they find a lovely balance between touchstones from their past and a modern production twist, with opener Do Things My Own Way a fine, energetic way to kick things off in vintage style.
Jansport Backpack feels like another throwback to the duo’s ‘70s heyday, recalling moments from ‘No 1 In Heaven’ while remaining startlingly current in its presentation.
Hit Me, Baby has more of a rock vibe, with greater use of guitars, and for all their electronic work it is worth remembering they started out as more of a glam act and that aspect of their approach is reflected perfectly here.
For all its electronic influences and dancefloor drive, My Devotion is perhaps the most beautiful track on the album — a melodic treat. Drowned In a Sea of Tears, meanwhile, has an irresistible charm to it, with a bubbling sort of energy that puts Russell’s falsetto at the forefront, wonderfully accompanied by strings.
‘MAD!’ is, as we’ve come to expect from Sparks, a delightfully eccentric offering that is in touch with sounds from across a storied career. It builds on 2023’s stellar ‘The Girl is Crying in Her Latte’ with another record that has fizz and invention to spare. There is not a weak link in sight.
Sparks Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed June 18 2025 - LONDON Eventim Apollo
Thu June 19 2025 - LONDON Eventim Apollo
Sat June 21 2025 - MANCHESTER O2 Apollo
Sun June 22 2025 - MANCHESTER O2 Apollo
Tue June 24 2025 - GLASGOW Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Tue July 15 2025 - DUBLIN National Stadium
Wed July 16 2025 - DUBLIN National Stadium
Fri July 18 2025 - EDINBURGH Playhouse
Sat July 19 2025 - WOLVERHAMPTON Civic at the Halls
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