The Sparkle & Fade – Not The Enemy (2021)
Influenced by the sounds of The Killers, Paramore, Weezer and Jimmy Eat World, The Sparkle & Fade is a nod to old-school pop-rock with a unique contemporary flair. Relatively new on the block, the US-based group has only been around since summer last year, but they have captured the interest of listeners on a global scale. Featured on notable blogs like BuzzMusic, Less Than 1000 Followers, Rising Artists Blog (to name a few), the group are spreading their new pop-rock sound to the masses. The latest addition to their well-received discography is the single ‘Not The Enemy’.
Introspective and intriguing, The Sparkle & Fade are not filled with banging melodies exclusively but have a philosophical depth to their songs. Aiming to capture the effect of existential dualism in everyday lives – a topic hotly debated in the works of Nietzsche, Satre and de Beauvoir. In ‘Not The Enemy’ they use popular pop-rock music to showcase their profound lyrical depth.
The second single of 2021, ‘Not The Enemy’ adopts a more pop-punk meets emo design as compared to the grunge-esque single ‘Up In The Air’. Using a personal narrative of a bad relationship and the consequences of choices, The Sparkle & Fade connect with their audience on an intimate level. Yet, while the blending of pounding drums with dynamic guitars plunges you into a whirlpool of sound, it is Lindsey Callahan’s vocals that enhance the poignancy of the track.
Reminiscent of Paramore, Callahan’s tone flows with the brash, heart-pounding melody in, not necessarily a soothing way, but as soothing as pop-punk can be. Harmonic with a hard-hitting intensity, ‘Not The Enemy’ jolts you back to reality with its forceful tone. Of course, the frenzied style merges well with Callahan’s Hayley Williams-esque vocals, but it is the execution of serious philosophical content that showcases the band’s eclecticism and innovativeness.
As I said, the track touches on bad relationships, but the ultimate message to be shared is that of choices. I draw you back to existential dualism wherein there lies the questions of consequences. A realistic song, The Sparkle & Fade punch you in the face with an anxious inner turmoil; however, there is a lingering authenticity, genuineness and sincerity in their cathartic song. Overall, I just love the work and can’t wait for more from this refreshing band.
In addition to their single, The Sparkle & Fade released an official music video for ‘Not The Enemy’. The video can be viewed on their YouTube Channel.
For more from The Sparkle & Fade check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
