A one-man project from Ottawa, Canada, Sparkwoods is new to our blog through his latest EP, Roentgen.

By Graeme Smith

Written, performed, recorded, mixed and mastered by Sparkwoods, Roentgen is the true meaning of DIY. The record draws influence from ’90s grunge bands going acoustic as well as the lo-fi indie of early Bright Eyes. The result is a nostalgic yet timeless feel.

The EP kicks off with Anonymiad and we are at once drawn into a minimal and emotional world. Jangly guitar mingle with world-weary vocals in the verse before things get a little more raucous during a jazzy chorus. Each track on the EP is inspired by a different piece of creative art – Anonymiad was sparked by a short story about a man stuck on an island – meaning they all have a different story to tell.

South Vale takes from the horror video game Silent Hill 2 and feels suitably spooky in the verse before freaking out in the chorus. Siren takes things into a melodic, indie rock direction while Ubik strips things back for a melancholic moment. Faust is moody and lingering before Hallowed closes the EP in atmospheric style.

It’s difficult to make DIY sound good but that’s exactly what Sparkwoods has done with his new EP. Its raw authenticity means it a record to which the listener will return time and time again.

Roentgen is out now and you can give it a listen below.