Oucho Sparks
Silver Daddy (2002)

review by: Alexander Washburn
Date: 12/8/02

I am ready to call Oucho Sparks the next Ominous Seapods. I might go as far as to say they could get a G. Love & Special Sauce type of following. With that being said, what will probably happen is that Oucho Sparks will remain largely unknown, which is upsetting for they are a good band, but it is a cold reality and therefore not surprising at all.

As you've read here at 2walls.com, we get more CD's from up and comers than we know to do with. Out of the half-dozen or so CD's that I listened to in one session, Oucho Sparks Silver Daddy grabbed my attention off the bat... for their packaging. No boring jewel box and I thank you. In a crowded market, your goal is to have your product stand out from the rest. That mission adequately accomplished by the band.

Of course there's music. Silver Daddy just doesn't settle for good grooves that could carry any record. Oucho Sparks, like their CD package, now that the stand jam band groove is not going top solely carry the day. In order to achieve this diversity, Oucho Sparks employs various tactics both musical, like the up-tempo opening track 'Gropus' which initially sounds too fast, almost like your CD player is skipping. The highlight of the record is 'Customer Service' which highlights Oucho Sparks horn section as well talented bass and guitar players. 'Dark Forest' another standout, wears like a 1930's jazz club complete with big horns and jungle percussion background.

Overall, Oucho Sparks puts together a thoughtful record. Unafraid to take risks but the risks don't come off in that small band have-nothing-to-prove type of way. You can hear that this band is use to the free flow of a live concert stage. They have a done an exceptional job taking that creativity and inventiveness into the studio.