Every musician hates this question, right? Eric worked in a record store for a long long time and likes most music, though he reserves special hatred for most rap-metal hybrids and Ryan Adams (you can ask him why, as Jen still doesn't understand it). Eric's songs sound like ROCK or sometimes they sound like the Cure. Sometimes he sings like the guy from Television, or so he's been told. Jen's top five favorite bands of all time are: the Pixies, the Who, the Clash, Sleater-Kinney, and Pell Mell. Jen's songs don't sound like any of these, particularly, though they sometimes sound like all of them generally. Jen's got a big-ass voice and big boobs, too. Jen and Eric like to duel with harmonies, sort of like Simon and Garfunkel, but they also like to rock while they sing, sort of like the lesser-known indie outfit Velocity Girl.

But influences? Let's just say they're influenced by great bands, great performers, and great ideas. Some days, they aspire to be all three.

In May of 2001, Eric and Jen went to San Francisco and saw Jets to Brazil, Rocket from the Crypt, and the (International) Noise Conspiracy. When they came home, they decided to ditch their respective folk-pop combos and start a rock band. Former drummer Andy Dicus got roped into the deal by showing up on the porch while the idea was still fresh in Eric's head, but split for other projects (see Sophie and the Probiotics) two years later with everyone’s best wishes.

Since Andy left the band, Eric and Jen occasionally meander into strange and folky territory. More often, though, they spontaneously craft quirky, fun, smart, punky music, and spend their waking hours dreaming about another drummer (and a new guitar player) who can accompany them on their quest for the perfect pop song.

Featured in the Reno News & Review

Show review in the Reno News & Review

Sound The Alarm, 2003

Available at Walden's Coffeehouse
Big E's Motor City Music in Sparks
Recycled Records in Reno

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NOTE: The Spark broke up in December 2003.