Johnfish Sparkle: Flow (2011)

Italian quartet JOHNFISH SPARKLE first appeared as a trio with their debut album released by Swedish label Transubstans Records back in 2009. Since then a fourth member have joined their ranks, they've played quit a lot live I believe, and in the fall of 2011 they released their second full length production "Flow", again opting for Transubstans to handle that particular matter.

On their initial effort, late 60's and early 70's hard psych bands catered for many of the musical touched I found myself associating with this act, perhaps with a few touches followers of early Rush might find to be familiar sounding. And while the former is less of an issue this time around, the latter still remains a tendency for this trio come quartet out of Southern Europe. And the main scope of their sound has moved forward a few years, now apparently residing closer to the mid 1970's in general and at times rather close to one of the giants of that era in particular.

At their best for this follow-up album we're treated to material made up by energetic, refined drum patterns, a driving melodic bass motif and lighter-toned guitar replicating the latter in a sophisticated manner by way of fluctuating riff patterns with clever use of impact riffs, and frequently adding a great deal of psych tinged to the expression. And on top throughout: The distinct vocals of Maurizio Morganti, a singer who comes across as the slightly more relaxed kid brother of Robert Plant.

And when that is said, it shouldn't be at all surprising that it is the mighty Led Zeppelin that appears to have branded this production with their legacy. In compositional structure, the manner in which many riff patterns and movements have been assembled and the vocals are the threefold elements that contain most of the association inducing elements for me, although the rhythm section does have good tendencies as well. But also with nods towards the aforementioned Canadian proggers, or perhaps to the bands that in their time inspired them, and all of it given a liberal psych-oriented flavouring.

At their best, Johnfish Sparkle conjure creations that wouldn't have been out of place on a Zeppelin production. The high point for me the obviously blues-drenched Downhill Blues, that opens as a slow, intense blues rock affair that gradually grows into an intense monster of a bluesy hard rock construction. But also the two opening efforts and Spiral Confusion are high quality endeavours I imagine will interest fans of good quality 70's hard rock in general and fans of a certain aforementioned act in particular.

The second half of this disc comes across as slightly more generic however. Intense and energetic songs, with many fine performances and clever details, but without the undefinable magic of the opening cuts. Even slight touches that may be inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix or Robin Trower appear to be pleasant rather than vitalizing, and I suspect that for these numbers the recording studio haven't managed to capture the essence of these songs good enough. A piece like A Phoenix Flight in particular a creation I suspect is a real monster when played live.

A Fine album with some moments of true magic is what Johnfish Sparke presents with their sophomore effort "Flow", a production recommended to fans of mid 70's hard rock in general and fans of Led Zeppelin in particular. And a band I suspect will be very well worth experiencing in a live setting for just this audience.

My rating: 72/100


Track list:
1. Hard Times Goin' On 5:03
2. Benzai-Ten 5:18
3. Downhill Blues 8:41
4. Spiral Confusion 5:12
5. The Circle 5:37
6. The Traveler 4:52
7. Gaudi's Run 1:45
8. Not Alone 5:23
9. A Phoenix Flight 6:18
10. Crazy Lady 4:46