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Label: Pluto
Release: May 06 2008
Hometown: PA



6 (out of 10)


Diamonds are a girl's best friend and that seems exceptionally true when discussing this band. After forming in the city of brotherly love in 2006, Spark Is A Diamond, helmed by Alison Bellavance, pumped out an EP for Emerald Moon Records. After getting their reputation up they signed to Pluto Records and are ready to release their new album "Try This On For Size." I don't know about you but if these diamond references don't stop I think I might pass out from the cost. Ba-zing!

   At first glance you might think you are about to listen to a soft indie band with new wave influences. You would be horribly wrong, and why would you want to listen to that anyway. While the music might have you in a light mood, her vocals will have you wondering if she is girl or not. Much like Angela of Arch Enemy, she unleashes shredding shouts while this punk/hardcore mix plays upbeat in the background. The combination is something you might have to get used to because it feels like you have a balloon body with a lead head. (great parallel I know ::sarcasm::)

   The dancy progression of the guitars and drums are fairly well produced but the vocals seem under produced or poorly mixed (if done on purpose, nice try). After listening to the album a few times, I can't help but have conflicts with the album every time. The poppy and electronica/punk music that could step out of something by The Offspring juxtaposes the sore vocals at every turn and makes it hard to listen to. It is almost like if you split the instruments from the vocals, you could add them to other bands and it would get high marks all around, but the fact that they are together makes the music sound......just mismatched.

   Fun and upbeat rock is what you will get here, but you will have to deal with the harsh vocals. Like nice hellish vocals? Well then you will have to deal with a poppy rock side that might piss you off. Have I said that this sound doesn't work together? Yes, and I think you understand me. I might suggest to add more singing parts for her or make the music harder to not sound like you are playing The Offspring and Cradle Of Filth at the same time. (exaggeration, but you get the point) This takes effort to continuously listen to and fans of both styles may not have the patience to listen for long. Some things are new and fresh and Spark Is A Diamond is just that. But it doesn't have the balance that can keep people happy. Ps. Love the interlude and the Push It cover.

~ Pernell
May 05 2008


Spark Is A Diamond
Try This On For Size
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