Last week, Sparks – brothers Ron and Russell Mael – released ‘Do Things My Own Way’, the first taste of their 28th studio album, ‘MAD!’, due this year on new label home Transgressive Records. Today, they release the song’s video, of which Sparks say: “We hope this video, even in a very small way, finally starts a meaningful dialogue about the dangers of pianos falling out of tall buildings.”
Quintessentially Sparks, the video was directed by Los Angeles based Ambar Navarro, who says: “Collaborating with Sparks has been my dream for a long time that took me on my own career journey. It was a new experience getting to work in a fully digital surreal world, pieced together by Dillon Petrillo, and see it all come together at the end. Overall Ron survived his falls with just a few minor cuts.”
The single functions as something of a manifesto for the Maels – Sparks are a band who have always, always done things their own way. Fresh and futuristic, ostinato electro riffs bounce with restless abandon. Oscillating widescreen soundscapes swell as they sing in powerful, staccato tones: ” Gonna run, gonna fly, gonna, do things my own way.” Polyphonic jagged textures swirl and swell in thrilling sonic explosions, fizzing with stylish frisson.
Whilst further details about the album remain under wraps (watch this space!), fans can look forward to the MAD! Tour. Having wowed audiences and critics alike on their 2023 tour – including sold out shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall (two) and Sydney Opera House, a hometown triumph at Hollywood Bowl, and a headlines-stealing set at Glastonbury Festival – Sparks will be returning to the live stage this June kicking off with the Japanese, UK and European legs of their world tour.
Tickets for their June/ July MAD tour go on general sale on Friday 7th February. Presales start on 5th February. UK fans can unlock a presale by ordering the album here.
