The Engine Room, 7th July

Featuring members either in or linked to Isis and Neurosis, LA supergroup Red Sparowes’ gig at The Engine Room was a memorable and rare occasion. The place was crammed; you literally couldn’t move an inch in front of you without rubbing up against someone or spilling their pint. On top of that, there was monsoon-like weather outside, so you couldn’t even retreat for a spot of air. But tonight’s headliners didn’t care about that.

Red Sparowes are an instrumental act relying on atmosphere and build-up as opposed to a catchy chorus and guitar hook. Those with a short attention span will not warm to this; Red Sparowes are definitely a ‘thinking person’s’ band. The best things come to those who wait, as the cliché goes… Indeed, tonight was all about atmosphere; incense burned while the band played their songs in a dark setting, standing amongst the audience as the drum kit took up most of the stage. The songs appeared epic and carefully-crafted, yet it wouldn’t surprise me if they were composed after a few bongs.

Nevertheless, they kept a room full of people completely immersed. Impressive, as many bands might struggle to keep an audience interested for that long with just instrumental music. There were moments when a melody was stuck in a rut only for the band to bring us back in moments later; I got goose bumps from the sheer greatness of their melodies and harmonies.

Despite this, the performance could have been better with some vocals. The songs are so strong that a couple – not all – could have done with a vocal line. I got the feeling that this would sound better on record, where the listening experience can be accompanied with other activities.

Still, apart from those little niggles, Red Sparowes were thoroughly enjoyable and I would recommend them to anyone who has a bit of taste and listens to heavy music. 

Words by Mo Mostowfi
Photographs by Sarah Hadland