Sparkle Jets U.K. – Box of Letters

Last year, Sparkle Jets U.K. released their first album in 20 years. Best of Friends was a collection of covers. Fresh versions of overlooked classics by bands such as The Sugarplastic, Cockeyed Ghost and The Masticators, It was quite enjoyable. But there’s nothing like a fresh batch of new songs. That’s what we get with their new one entitled Box of Letters.

Summer, Grandma & The Office

If this is a “comeback” album, it finds original members Michael Simmons, Susan West and Jamie Knight in fine form. With Joel Valder and Tisha Bonnyawatana in tow, they make a more than formidable outfit. One cannot help but be impressed by the innovative arrangements, lovely harmonies and undeniable hooks that dominate throughout. “This Will Be Our Year” is a perfect example. It starts off with an understated string arrangement and bursts forward with big, arena worthy guitars and a memorable chorus. 

The keyboard driven “I Can’t Wait For Summer” ushers in the season perfectly with gorgeous harmonies and a few twists and turns along the way. The lyrically entertaining “I’m Away From My Desk” might be something one might hear on the voicemail recording of an overly honest office worker. You could call it a sister song to Fountain of Wayne’s “Bright Future in Sales”. 

The slower “Little Circles” is one of the lovelier melodies I’ve heard in a while. Even the cover of Moby Grape’s “Hey Grandma” is killer. All eleven tracks capture one’s attention in one way or another.

Get Box of Letters Here

Sparkle Jets U.K.’s Box of Letters will be released on July 19. If you’d like to pre-order it (and I suggest that you do), you can get it at the Big Stir / Sparkle Jets U.K. bandcamp site right HERE.