Distiller Records (label)
10 October 2011 (released)
14 December 2011
Comprised of Chicago born Jill O' Sullivan on vocals and acoustic guitar, Welshman Nick Packer on guitar/bass, and Scottish drummer Gregor Donaldson, Sparrow and the Workshop are a three piece that smack of 90's grunge and a traditionally British, indie aesthetic.
The band's latest single, "Faded Glory" offers and introduction with a rythym section akin to The Pixies or The Breeders and a smothered guitar sound that echoes the controlled noise aesthetic of Sonic Youth and the Smashing Pumpkins.
Interestingly, the most British aspect of the song can be heard in O' Sullivan's vocals, which although imbued with a Kim Deal style of phrasing, has the timbral quality of Dolores O'Riordan of Irish rockers, The Cranberries.
While not particularly original or overtly innovative, the song's hark back to the soaring sound of 90's grunge/pop and its wonderfully luring vocal melody make it an interesting blend of new and old that is most welcome during a time where "alternative" music seems saturated solely with the revival of an old folk sound.
