Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Here's a brand new album from a pop outfit who manage to combine accessible tunes with a portion of quirkiness to keep things interesting. Guitar-driven pop is the name of the game but this is no light weight fluffy entertainment, one thing I love about Sparklepop is that they actually deal with some important issues and who says a three minute pop song can't change anything? On "Sugarcoated Saviour", they take a very pointed look at those who want the benefits of being saved without the price of discipleship. The consequences of such spiritual shallowness are further explored in the hilarious "What Happened When Jesus Went To Nashville" where the band observe an industry more focused on making money than the radical message of faith. The consequences of lying are explored in "The Lie That Ate Bobby McWatkiss" and there's a bittersweet vulnerability in the ballad "A Woman's Place" which sees Miranda heading for open spiritual ground despite those who would want to hold her back. "Sweet Forgiveness" as a vibey ballad is a song of surrender and release while "I'm So Happy" is a bubbling celebration of salvation with some funky horns and driving rhythms. Be careful with this album because at first listen, you might be fooled into thinking that this is just another throwaway Christian pop act but Sparklepop have a spiritual depth that's sadly missing in a Christian pop scene currently dominated by teenage singers and record company staff writers. Track it down and be inspired.

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