ALAN SPARHAWK Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Alan Sparhawk's White Roses, My God offers a deeply personal exploration of grief and creativity. The album reflects the impact of the passing of Sparhawk's wife, Mimi Parker, from cancer in 2022. Known for his role in Low, Sparhawk's latest work showcases his willingness to dive into new sonic landscapes. Each track is crafted solely by Sparhawk, who used a range of new tools and techniques to build this intimate record. The album's experimental nature echoes influences from artists like Childish Gambino and 100 Gecs, with hints of Neil Young's Trans in its approach. On tracks like 'Feel Something,' Sparhawk employs a vocoder to challenge conventional emotional expression, creating a raw and engaging sound. Despite its innovative edges, White Roses, My God maintains a connection to Sparhawk's previous work while pushing boundaries. This record invites listeners into a new chapter of his musical journey, blending heartfelt lyrics with experimental beats.

Review: Alan Sparhawk isn't one for large crowds or the showy side of fame, yet over the course of his career, his influence has expanded far beyond his low-key persona. As the frontman of Low, the band he founded in the early 90s in Duluth, Minnesota, Sparhawk's distinct style has permeated not just indie rock but also the broader sphere of music that prizes depth over spectacle. The hallmark of Sparhawk's songwriting is the austere, almost minimalist beauty he coaxes from the sparsest of arrangements. His approach to music is inextricable from his sense of placeiDuluth's biting winters, its isolationieverything about the environment feeds into the slow-moving intensity of Low's sound. Musically, the album moves through a variety of textures, from the folk-tinged melodies of 'Heaven' and 'Get Still' to the raw emotional power of 'Screaming Song' and 'Don't Take Your Light.' The latter is particularly stirring, with its swelling fiddles and cello lines, embodying the depth of feeling that pours out during the recording. There's a certain urgency to the musician immediacy that comes from being in a room full of people who understand what it means to create together. The track 'Stranger' is imbued with an intimate, communal spirit, while 'Torn & in Ashes' builds on layers of banjo and mandolin, giving it a rich, earthy feel. Even as the sounds shift, there's an underlying consistency in the raw honesty of Sparhawk's voice and the way the band responds to it. Overall, the record a sense of continuity, reminding us that music, when made with those closest to you, becomes a vessel for lasting memories and support.