Reviews

Aaron Sprinkle is perhaps one of the most underrated, unrecognized people in the music industry. He’s not Rick Rubin, but this dude’s got some serious game when it comes to catchy tunes. Sprinkle has produced or engineered albums for Anberlin, Emery, Rocky Votolato, Eisley, Gatsbys American Dream, Joy Electric, Mae, Pedro The Lion, Acceptance and many more.  He has performed in such groups as Rose Blossom Punch and Poor Old Lu as well as an array of solo recordings all dating from 1990 to 2004.  Most recently, Sprinkle has formed the group, Fair, with Nick Barber (also of Poor Old Lu), Joey Sanchez and Erick Newbill. Unsurprisingly, the bands’ debut record, The Best Worst-Case Scenario has been released on Tooth and Nail Records. One thing is clear with this release: there is a reason why so many bands have chosen to work with Aaron Sprinkle; he is musically and technically brilliant.
 
If anyone at all remembers the previous bands that Sprinkle worked with, that psychedelic Cure inspired rock is not present here.  Instead, this is a calm, yet intense collection of gentle rock songs and ballads combining some of the most poetically genuine lyrics and artistically sound instrumentals I’ve heard all year. This band actually reminds me a lot of The Weakerthans; one of my favorite bands.  If you removed the vocals and lyrics, the music could very well survive on its own. However, throw in the poignant melodies and fine tuned harmonies and this music does more than survive. With Fair, it’s not what goes into each song, but what is taken out or left out of each song to make it stand on its own and reach a whole different level of songwriting.  “Cut Down Sideways,” has the potential of being a great pop song; perhaps even a radio hit with its catchy chorus that reads “Oh, my love don’t push it like the way we used to do/Even if you get far, don’t go far/One pull and I could split the world in two/Even if you get far, don’t go far.” Every single one of these twelve songs are crafted and molded into a one of a kind creation of sound. “Blurry Eyed,” is one of my favorites because of its sweeping melodies, almost falsetto vocals and a powerful string chorus in the background.  However, it is “Unglued,” the longest track on the album, which is by far, the most technical and the most inspirational.  This track showcases beautiful usage of percussion and the vocal accompaniment of the sisters of Eisley, Sherri and Stacey Dupree.
 
The album’s artwork is oriented intently with nature; showcasing what the world looks like in the late fall when nature is falling asleep.  There are no flowers or rainbows; only barren trees, cold waters and dying leaves.  The serenity however is overwhelming and is directly paralleled by the peaceful effect of the music inside.
 
Debuting at a time when huge releases are currently plowing their way across the charts, this record may very well be dismissed without so much as a glance.  It is however, so impressive and so near perfect in every way that it will without a doubt remain in my CD player for the rest of the summer.  In fact, I personally spent a week listening and enjoying the music before even giving thought to a review.  If anything, go listen to Fair on Myspace or Purevolume or whatever it is you do, and let it enfold you.