SparQlew’s “Dear” is a rock solid mini-album that emphasizes the group’s growth at the same time that it dishes out yet another streak of fun, addictive rock and pop tunes.
Title: Dear
Label: Kiramune
Release date: 04/12/2024
Genre: Pop-Rock/Disco/Ballad
Tracklist:
1 - 今日も世界の片隅で
2 - DA-DA
3 - Vision
4 - Snowy Glow
5 - Bang！！！！
6 - コースター
Track by track analysis:
1 – 今日も世界の片隅で (Kyo mo sekai no katasumi de)
Muffled guitar riffs play in the background, slowly getting clearer as the song gets to its verse. The vibe of this song is youthful and nostalgic.
“Kyo mo sekai no katasumi de” has a fun, energetic pop-rock sound, with a thunderous bassline leading the way as the guitars and drums steadily create a feel-good sound.
The build-up made on the snare to the chorus brings the tension up to the chorus that you’ll want to sing along to SparQlew.
When the bridge arrives, the instrumental slow down a bit, with the drums going quieter while the electric guitars stay – each to their side – as the vocals take front and center in front of you.
As far as the vocals go, everyone was singing this time around – no rapping parts or anything fancy -, with the focus being on delivering a song that has a “united” vibe going on.
The chorus is performed mostly in unison and it works quite well as it is made for you to join the fun and sing along. Honestly, I’m imagining this song becoming a fan favorite during live shows just because of this.
2 – DA-DA
“DA-DA” follows, bringing more rock to the spotlight – yes, you read well. Electric guitar riffs and a bassy snare lead the way in this fun and energetic performance.
The bassline is worth mentioning as it is relentless and deep, driving the song forward in a way I was not expecting given how much emphasis was put on the guitars.
There is a jaunty edge to this song with jazz elements coming from the piano playing in some parts within the verses. This is a good contrast to the prominent pop sound coming from the synths in the chorus.
The bridge kicks off with the guitar playing solo but the synths quickly take over, before the vocals kick in as a clavichord melody briefly joins in.
This is a fun, intense song that falls a bit short in comparison with the tone in the first track but you can already tell there’s some consistency here. Now, let’s dive into the next one.
3 – Vision
“Vision” comes to the spotlight with a dreamy, distant downtempo dance sound. And let me tell you, you’re not ready for how good this song sounds.
The vibes are chill, the bassline is massive – with strong disco influences going on – and the beat is fun and clean, with the hi-hat leading the way.
And while the verses are fun, the chorus is a thing of beauty. All members of SparQlew are shining in this performance, harmonizing, and delivering their parts in falsetto. Their unisons feel right and purposeful within the song whereas their individual parts add a layer of beauty and gentleness to this performance.
While the sound is fun and groovy, this song doesn’t go all out to be sexy and, instead, focuses on providing a relaxing, entertaining time.
The funky guitars and brass further flesh out those citypop and disco vibes that I was getting from the verses, making this song quite the fun and addictive one.
And what about that keytar in the outro? It seems that the song was made for me, featuring all the quirky retro things I love about dance music.
4 – Snowy Glow
Things change around completely as “Snowy Glow” brings chimes, Christmas bells, finger snaps, and a dreamy rhodes piano as SparQlew’s members almost serenade us.
This is a Christmas song, through and through, sweet, gentle, feeling like a warm hug on a cold day. The chorus is powerful, with vocals performing in canons, the bassline punchy and bouncy while the strings play in legato to add a layer of beauty to this song.
This is one of those songs you need to add instantly to your Christmas-themed playlist.
You will find yourself vibing to this song as SparQlew’s members gently perform this delicate song. Surprising addition to this release but then again you notice when the mini-album drops and it makes sense to have a season-themed song in here.
5 – Bang！！！！
“Bang！！！！” makes its entrance in this mini-album, bringing funky guitars and an addictive bassline leading the way.
The intro is quite busy but as soon as the verses kick in, the soundscape clears and let me tell you, this is quite a fun song.
There is something I love a lot about that pre-chorus as the atmospheric synths create a dreamy side to this song, with the bassline and guitars slowly taking us to the chorus.
Then, when the chorus kicks in, I’m all in on this song. Funky guitars, groovy bass, playful brass, and stylish strings create one of the most addictive songs in SparQlew’s repertoire.
As far as vocals go, everyone matches the funky vibes and brings a lot of energy to the performance. Once again, everyone is on vocal duty, working flawlessly in unison and delivering powerful, entertaining solo parts as well.
6 – コースター (Coaster)
And wrapping up this mini-album is “Coaster”, the leading track that has already been on heavy rotation for most fans.
The song kicks off with simple jazzy piano hits alongside the raw vocals by SparQlew, as the song evolves to the first verse, strings, a powerful bassline and tight bass-drum lead drums join in.
When the chorus kicks in, you will find yourself jamming to this song.
The sound reminds me of SID from the early 00s while having quite the refreshing take on this type of pop, jazz, and rock hybrid of a song.
The chorus is fun, with a punchy bassline leading the way as the strings go high in the background, being in perfect harmony. The vocals go quite technical for this song with members going for high notes, falsetto and harmonizing in their duo parts.
I found myself wanting more of this song and wondering why SparQlew would end the mini-album in such an addictive and stylish note, leaving fans wanting more.
This is the best song in this mini-album for sure.
Final considerations
SparQlew’s “Dear” slightly strays away from the stylish danceable sound of previous releases but makes a pleasant surprise with its focus on rock music.
Throughout the album you can tell almost all members have further improved their singing skills and cohesion. Regardless if individual or in unison, SparQlew’s members bring power, energy and a ton of emotion to grab your attention.
When it comes to the best songs in this release, I was immediately into “Coaster” – as I love SID and this sound, so early 00s is so nostalgic for me, and well excuted in this song – as well as “Vision”. Oh boy, “Vision” was a whole different experience within this mini-album. For sure a song that matches the tone, funkiness and style of previous releases and one that keeps showing just amazing SparQlew are when performing mature, fun dance tunes.
“Snowy Glow” is your resident Christmas-themed song, sweet, gentle as if snow flakes are falling on you. This is the type of song you should add to your Christmas playlist.
All in all, SparQlew’s “Dear” is a rock solid mini-album that emphasizes the group’s growth at the same time that it dishes out yet another streak of fun, addictive rock and pop tunes.
“Dear“ is available for purchase at CDJAPAN.
