[rating=4.00]
Dark imagery and golden melodies form the foundation of Lazarus Beach, the full-length debut from Birmingham, Alabama’s Through the Sparks. Brimming with indie zeal and uncanny illustrations, the 13 tracks resonate with guitar-and-piano pop that is meticulously crafted and peppered with imagery that reflects the loneliness of life at any age. Yet despite the subject matter, which is drawn together by the sheer propensity for astute songwriting, Lazarus Beach steers clear of bleakness, embracing the zest of The Attractions and an ear for atmospheric runs (particularly two unexpected and impressive segues in the latter part of the disc). Through the Sparks has stepped out on this first release, offering an evocative mix of darkness and light that is both familiar and real.
