Sparks, brothers Ron and Russell Mael, today release their acclaimed new studio album, MAD!

MAD! opens with the song ‘Do Things My Own Way’, a piece of typically forward-facing progressive pop that functions as something of a manifesto for the Maels themselves. Because Sparks are a band who have always, always done things their own way. Current radio single ‘Drowned In A Sea Of Tears’, ‘JanSport Backpack’, ‘My Devotion’ and album closer  ‘Lord have Mercy’ – heartfelt observations of enduring or fading love – sit alongside an ode to a freeway in ‘I-405 Rules’, the frustration of a ‘Long Red Light’ and the motivational opus of ‘Don’t Dog It’. 

Musically there are nods to new wave, synthpop, art rock and electronic opera – all genres’ Sparks had hands in pioneering or straight up invented. Ultimately, however, MAD! is a modern record that belongs in and speaks to the modern world, which is all the more remarkable when you consider the vintage of its creators.

Very few artists have had as much influence on decades of popular music, or remained as committed to artistic innovation, as Sparks. In the decades since their Todd-Rundgren produced debut in 1972 the duo has moved through numerous genres and phases, including Art-Glam, Neo-Charleston, electronic disco (essentially inventing the synth duo), synthpop, sampler opera and movie musicals. The only common threads, throughout each era, are the exquisite wit of Ron’s lyrics and the complexity of his arrangements, and Russell’s heavenly voice.

This summer and autumn Sparks will be touring Japan, UK, Europe and North America with tickets now available here. Sparks will also join actor, presenter, and comedian Rob Brydon in conversation for An Entirely MAD! Conversation Between Rob Brydon and Sparks! at the Union Chapel, Islington in London on May 25th. Presented by Rough Trade Shops and Transgressive Records, tickets for the event include a physical copy of the album on CD, cassette or vinyl. Limited tickets are on sale from here.