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The equivalent of an uninterrupted bar fight, The Sparring combines punk prowess with slicing sarcasm to resonate in a sound that is dangerous and explosive. Unpretentious and unrelenting prepare for an audio kick in the mouth.
–Skinnie Magazine
- Skinnie Magazine
As far as pedigrees go, you can't get much more impressive in punk rock circles than The Sparring. Featuring former The Dear and Departed and Tiger Army man Joel Bourne on vocals, and former Death By Stereo percussionist Chris Dalley behind the drum kit, the Orange County outfit certainly seem like the part on paper. Thankfully, the band's self-titled three track EP sounds just as good when blasted through your speakers. Dealing in a brand of bare knuckled street punk that takes no prisoners, with each of the three tracks delivering a straight-to-the-point slap to the face, blending hostile guitars, wicked vocal play offs and good old fashioned sing-along "woohs". Already working on their debut full-length, RM reckons that you'll be hearing a lot more of The Sparring very soon.
- Dan Jones - RockMidgets.com - RockMidgets.com
Discography
3 Song EP "JFK"
Photos
Bio
ORANGE COUNTY, CA Formed after the break of various projects, The Sparring is a potent amalgamation of seasoned musicians and some of the genres most promising new faces. Spearheaded by the charge of former drummer (The Dear and Departed, Tiger Army) turned vocalist, Joel Bourne, the collective cemented its roots when Bourne connected with friend and Orange County guitarist, Janoah Stolo. Bourne and Stolo would then enlist the help of one of the genres most respected, versatile drummers in former Death By Stereo percussionist Chris Dalley. Finding an unparalleled musical chemistry, the trio rounded out the line-up by adding Gilbert Pichardo on bass. Within just one month the Sparring was formed already hard at work on the bands studio debut.
With the support of Orange Countys premiere independent punk rock label, Old Shoe Records, The Sparring released a 3-track self-titled EP that provides a promising glimpse into the future of the band. Rooted in the punishing percussion of Dalley, the aggressive guitar work of Stolo, combined with the unrelenting swagger and sweaty sarcasm littered in Bournes lyrical delivery, The Sparring remain a shining example of the kind of punk rock that punishes unapologetically. Showcasing the kind of dexterity often missing from the genre, The Sparring combine the meticulous presentation of big production with the raw explosion of street corner brass. Currently hard at work on their full-length debut, The Sparring is taking off the gloves.
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