St. Albert, Alberta’s blues rock sextet Sparrow Blue has managed to do something that is rare: make classic rock sound as fresh, energetic, and punchy as it did when it first started. The result is a short but incredibly sweet, party-starting, rowdy rock nugget, “That Rock N Roll,” the latest single from the band’s 2024 album No Lies, No Tricks. And judging by the sizzle on this sonic steak, Sparrow Blue has so, so much to offer.
The single captures all the pent-up energy and angst the pandemic created for everyone, especially musicians who weren’t able to perform for fans, giving out that energy from the stage to fans and in turn receiving their energy. “‘That Rock N Roll’ was a direct response to being locked down in 2020,” the band says. “It came from the frustration of not being able to connect with people in a live setting and missing the freeing feeling of a full PA pumping through your body. The song evolved into an anthem of passion and love for live music, our fans, and appreciation that one day we will be on the road again.”
That verve comes through immediately on “That Rock N Roll.” Singer Des Parks’ classic rock rasp and slightly southern delivery in the vein of Cinderella’s Tom Keifer reaches through the speakers (or ear buds) to grab your attention immediately. Meanwhile, guitarists Chad Plamondon and Jon Dombroski lay down some rockabilly-ish riffs that keep the lean, lovable tune rolling down the tracks and gathering steam. The rhythm section of bassist Caden Doyle, percussionist Russell McCann, and drummer Liam Holm hold down the back beat and groove with sacrificing any oomph. Think of some fine boogie blend of the Georgia Satellites, Stray Cats, and Guns N Roses circa The Spaghetti Incident? and you might get the gist of this incredible rocker.
I’ll take what I can get cause it’s been a while ya know
The tremble and the shaking when the lights start getting low
I feel it in my heart running rhythms at full speed
Good God, in this moment I’ve never felt so free
I just can’t wait to hear that rock n roll
I just can’t wait to hear that rock n roll
“That Rock N Roll” is the latest single from Sparrow Blue’s No Lies, No Tricks album, a record the band describes as a “loose concept of a gunslinger’s journey through time and space while staying relevant to the modern world and the human condition.” The group, who cite influences like classic rock legends Mountain, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin, has shared the stages with a myriad of bands such as The Trews, Finger Eleven, The Sheepdogs, Rick Springfield and The Pursuit of Happiness among others.
Having recently wrapped up a tour supporting Australian rock group The Lazys, Sparrow Blue will now bring “That Rock N Roll” to the masses with an extensive touring schedule from British Columbia to Nova Scotia from mid-September through late October. And with a great single in “That Rock N Roll” at their disposal, look for Sparrow Blue to provide a show that is free of tricks or gimmicks. It’s a great rock band with a great rock single. And that’s no lie!
Sparrow Blue No Lies, No Tricks 2024 Tour Dates (with support)
September 13, 2024 — The Green Room — Saskatoon, SK (with Saint Vicious, Blind Commentary)
September 14, 2024 — Osborne Taphouse — Winnipeg, MB (with Kingsway, Moonfield)
September 17, 2024 — Knowhere Public House — Sudbury, ON (with Pop Machine)
September 18, 2024 — Meteor — Windsor, ON (with Indiana Drones, Case The Joint)
September 19, 2024 — Eastside Bar — London, ON (with Howzat, Brother Leeds)
September 20, 2024 — Broom Factory — Kingston, ON (with High Loves, Kasador)
September 21, 2024 — The Rainbow — Ottawa, ON (with Keanne Powell, Lucky Honey)
September 25, 2024 — Monteith Manor — Woodstock, NB (with Strychnine)
September 26, 2024 — Truro Brewing Company — Truro, NS (with Dali Van Gogh)
September 27, 2024 — Ducky’s — Sackville, NB (with Dali Van Gogh)
September 28, 2024 — Shoebox Cantina — New Glasgow, NS (with Hugh Wilson)
September 29, 2024 — Gus’ Pub — Halifax, NS (with The Fabulous Pontoona Bros, Dali Van Gogh)
October 2, 2024 — Five & Dime — Saint John, NB (with The Fabulous Pontoona Bros)
October 3, 2024 — District Saint Joseph — Quebec City, QC (with Atome Hits)
October 4, 2024 — Piranha Bar — Montreal, QC (with The Occult, Black Magic)
October 5, 2024 — Dakota Tavern — Toronto, ON (with Cold Weather Captains, Propter Hawk)
October 6, 2024 — St. Andrews Church — Peterborough, ON (with Nitetime Drive)
October 7, 2024 — Vertagogo — Hamilton, ON (with The Reed Effect, Gypsy Brydge)
October 10, 2024 — Harris Hotel — Harris, SK
October 11, 2024 — Cheers Live — Lloyd, AB (with Makenna Gallagher)
October 12, 2024 — The Vat — Red Deer, AB (with Grim, Hungry Hollow, Chuck Spadina)
October 25, 2024 — Pure Yellowhead Casino — Edmonton, AB (with You Me & Zach, King Theory)
