By ASIA EWART
Staff Writer
Recently, Maine pop-rockers Sparks the Rescue made a pit stop in Albany at seasoned rock venue Bogie’s to headline their Bedroom to Stage Acoustic Tour. Current members Alex Roy and Toby McAllister rounded out the night after a large slew of acoustic acts, including fellow tour mate Ryan Dunson, aka Rookie of the Year.
What a show for my very first at Bogies! The entire atmosphere was calming, with red and white spotlights illuminating the stage and candles set neatly atop the bar. Fans sat comfortably on the provided couch or stood on looking to the sides, bobbing their heads and swaying slightly to opening acts such as soothing, mellow voiced Tidewater and contemporary rock crooner Jimmie Deeghan. The excitement really began to appear when one man band Rookie of the Year took to the stage.
With a distinctive sound, including a breathy melodic voice mixed with various yelps that emphasized each song’s emotion, Dunson performed a slower, more passionate version of the usually thrashing “Poison Like Your Own,” as well as his latest single “Light Years Away,” a lovely mix of whispers and excitably stretched vocals. The highlight of his set included bringing up a younger disabled fan named Rachel, who was eagerly holding her Rookie of The Year fan sign the entire night, to accompany him on parts of “Slow Down.” The audience also joined Rachel, making for a very moving moment, made only better with Rachel’s family cheering her on from their seats on near the stage.
The enthusiasm for Sparks the Rescue was undeniable when their time to perform came up. Fans were on their feet in seconds and crowded around the stage, making jokes and exchanging playful banter with the two. Roy and McAllister were happy to joke with the crowd, being silly while tuning up their guitars and making funny faces for pictures.
Their set had an explosive start with “Autumn”, and only got better from there. Roy’s very dynamic vocals, along with McAllister’s equally strong voice, fed the energetic crowd, who sang along to favorites such as “Skeleton,” “We Love Like Vampires,” “Disaster,” and “Phoenix.” Having only vaguely heard of this band before, I was wonderfully blown away; this was such an exciting show! Their covers of Cee-Lo Green’s “Forget You” and Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” were also appreciated. I’m an occasional sucker for mainstream Top 40s. Sparks closed their set with “Hello Mexico,” which only further fueled my desire to be their fan, so much so, I purchased their Worst Thing I’ve Been Cursed With album right after the set.
A fan can never go wrong with a band that enjoys taking pictures and talking with their fan base after each show. Sparks and Rookie conversed with their fans as if talking with close friends. Saint Rose senior April Zwack can attest to the fan appreciation. “I love these dudes; they always treat fans like gold.” Her love for their music is also undeniable. “Sparks are a highly underrated band. Alex’s voice is electrifying and it’s fascinating to watch him move on stage,” said Zwack. After watching them perform live, I now agree.
