From the very first guitar riff on Cooper Cobra, the listener quickly realizes this isn’t your typical debut EP. Full of energy, Lily Sparks’ lead vocalist Niamh has a certain rocker quality that peaks interest. Accompanied by Nikki 7 and KG* on guitars and vocals and Mick Fumento on drums, the sound rounds out well and the five-song release leaves the listener begging for more. While Lily Sparks have been compared to Siouxsie and the Banshees, the band’s talent and versatility is undeniable. Blending 80s rock and killer guitar interludes for a truly unique experience, Lily Sparks is one band to watch.

Together just a year and a half, Lily Sparks have gone from playing acoustic shows in bars to playing the main stage at New York’s prestige venue Webster Hall – no small feat for a  new band. The music industry has taken notice too, as Lily Sparks have won the East Coast Finals of the Emergenza Festival beating several hundred bands in the competition. After winning, the band performed at the Taubertal Music Festival in Germany where Niamh won Best Vocalist.

Hard to believe, Niamh grew up in Ireland singing traditional Irish songs. Classically trained in voice and piano, she went on to perform in choral groups and played lead roles in musical theater. These experiences no doubt trained her as frontwoman of Lily Sparks.

First track, “Stars” is catchy and bound to stick in the listener’s head long after the last chord is played. “Starlight on the open road and I may not ever come home/Now I don’t care just what they’re saying/’Cause I’m not about to change my ways/I’m living it up ‘til my dying day/Stars, guitars, muscle cars make me happy,” Niamh sings with fitting electric guitar accompaniment. A perfect way to start the album, Lily Sparks drags the listener in right away.

“Let Go” switches gears and is more of a rock ballad than the high intensity showcased on “Stars.” Niamh alternates from rocker scream to delicate croon. “Is there a place that I could show you/I could show you, you don’t know/There are things I wanna show you if you only would let go” she sings seductively.

Cooper Cobra ends with “The Girls,” a slower ballad and a New York anthem many can relate to, regardless of the city you’re from. It’s the end of the week and time to relax, grab a drink with friends, and catch up with the girls “on everything from hair to men.” Extremely descriptive, the listener gets a sense of the familiarity and love the singer has for New York City. With a bit of a twang in her vocals, Niamh professes the comfort and adoration of a musician’s life in the city that never sleeps. “Glad to be at the end of the week/Now I can spend some time with my city/New York City,” Niamh belts.

At just five songs, Cooper Cobra impresses. With so much to offer listeners, one can only expect big things from Lily Sparks in the future. Each track ranges between three to four minutes, never overextending its welcome. Throughout Cooper Cobra, Lily Sparks proves they have what it takes to successfully perform up-tempo, high energy tracks as well as softer, chilling ballads. As each track closes, the listener never quite knows what will be played next, but can be certain he won’t be disappointed.

Reviewed By Annie Reuter

admin Annie Reuter, Reviews Cooper Cobra, Lily Sparks