The 40th Anniversary Concert… And Beyond
Big Stir, 2025
10/10
Listen to The 40th Anniversary Concert… And Beyond
The legendary power-poppers The Spongetones celebrated their 4 decades together with this concert in 2021, where the quartet are in fine form across the 18 tracks live tracks, plus some new studio work.
“Anyway Town” starts the evening with smooth vocals and warm guitars alongside Chris Garges’ fluid drumming that emits much melody, and it isn’t long until “She’ll Be Gone” comes with emotion, as Steve Stoeckel’s flowing bass suits the harmony vocals.
Further along, “Every Night Is A Holiday” uses Jamie Hoover and Pat Walters’ expressive guitars amid no shortage of hooks that invites singing-along, while “Where Were You Last Night?” comes with a vintage appeal that has the members working together collaboratively in both melancholic and gritty moments.
Closer to the end of the set, the scrappy of “Must Be Lust” will get you on the dance floor thanks to the contagious energy, and “Lulu’s In Love” exits with a slight jangle and a pretty delivery of ear candy for 1 of the 3 new studio tracks included.
The sound quality is excellent, as are the songs, and, very tragically, Garges passed away not long after this performance. The band have secured a replacement i.e. Eric Wilhelm, and are ready for decade #5 of their beloved power-pop perfection.
Travels well with: Splitsville- Mobtown; Crossword Smiles- Consequences + Detours