Sparks Release New Single "Drowned in a Sea of Tears" and Announce North American Tour

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The New Single: Themes and Visuals
4. Historical Context: Sparks' Journey
5. Inspirations Behind Mad!
6. North American Tour: Dates and Venues
7. The Broader Impact: Connecting Through Music
8. Anticipating Future Ventures
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Sparks unveil the new single “Drowned in a Sea of Tears,” a track from their upcoming album Mad!, set for release on May 23, 2025.
• The song's video, directed by Amber Navarro, features a poignant narrative of emotional struggle and redemption.
• The Mael brothers will embark on a North American tour this September, hitting multiple cities across the continent.
• Mad! will be the band’s 26th studio album, continuing their legacy of innovative pop music over five decades.

Introduction

The Mael brothers of Sparks, renowned for their enduring influence on the alternative and pop music landscapes, have once again captured attention with the release of their new single, "Drowned in a Sea of Tears." As anticipation builds for their upcoming album, Mad!, which is slated for release on May 23, 2025, Sparks continues to evolve while holding onto their distinctively quirky musical identity. But what can we expect from this prolific duo, and how does their latest work reflect their artistic journey and vision?

The announcement of their September North American tour, coinciding with the single's release, adds another layer of excitement for fans old and new. This article delves into the themes of the new track, explores the band's historical context, and outlines what we can expect from the brothers as they embark on this new chapter.

The New Single: Themes and Visuals

"Drowned in a Sea of Tears" showcases a stunning marriage of emotive storytelling and engaging lyrics, signifying a slight yet refreshing shift toward sincerity in Sparks' songwriting. The narrative, as Russell Mael describes, revolves around the struggles of a woman trying to find her footing after emotional distress, symbolically depicted through the heart-wrenching visuals in the accompanying music video.

In a statement to NME, Ron Mael expressed the duo's desires to “[...] write something from a more traditional feeling of what a pop song should be, lyrically.” This creative direction marks a departure from their previous works, which have often been characterized by a more abstract approach to themes and concepts. The video, directed by Amber Navarro, visualizes the song's essence, portraying the protagonist embroiled in turmoil, nearly drowning in her own tears—a dramatic and resonant metaphor for struggle and despair.

Historical Context: Sparks' Journey

Formed in 1967, Sparks has consistently exceeded expectations, stretching the boundaries of pop for decades. Their boundary-pushing sound initially gained traction in the early 1970s with albums such as Kimono My House and Propaganda. Characteristics of their work include catchy melodies, witty lyrics, and a bold theatricality that has influenced countless artists over the years.

Sparks has navigated through various musical genres, from glam rock to synth-pop, always maintaining a distinctive style that defies categorization. Their artistic forays reflect their willingness to explore new dimensions—collaborating with well-known filmmakers like Leos Carax on the critically acclaimed musical film Annette and tackling their legacy in the documentary The Sparks Brothers directed by Edgar Wright.

As they prepare for the release of Mad!, Sparks continues to harness this rich history, infusing it with contemporary relevance. The album serves not only as a continuation of their musical journey but also as a summation of diverse experiences and inspirations they have encountered over time.

Inspirations Behind Mad!

Sparks’ recent endeavors encapsulate their experience and evolution. With "Drowned in a Sea of Tears" as third single of the album, earlier releases such as “Do Things My Own Way” and "JanSport Backpack" have already set the stage for what listeners can anticipate. Each single builds upon the concept of emotional depth, exploring themes of identity, self-discovery, and the human experience in relatable and refreshing ways.

Russell Mael articulated that their writing philosophy remains anchored in sincerity, stating, “I hate to use the term ‘sincerity’ because we’re sincere about everything we write.” This notion reflects the Mael brothers' constant quest to integrate genuine emotion into more traditional pop frameworks, giving rise to relatable narratives that resonate with audiences.

North American Tour: Dates and Venues

Sparks has officially announced a month-long North American tour, designed to promote their new album. The tour kicks off in Atlanta, GA, on September 5, 2025, and traverses key cities across the continent before concluding in Los Angeles, CA, on September 30. The complete schedule of tour dates includes:

• September 5 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
• September 8 – Philadelphia, PA – Keswick Theatre
• September 9 – Washington, D.C. – Lincoln Theatre
• September 11 – Boston, MA – Berklee Performance Center
• September 12 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre
• September 14 – Columbus, OH – The Athenaeum Theatre
• September 15 – Cleveland, OH – TempleLive at Cleveland Masonic
• September 17 – Toronto, ON – Queen Elizabeth Theatre
• September 20 – St. Paul, MN – Fitzgerald Theater
• September 23 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre
• September 24 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre
• September 26 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
• September 27 – San Francisco, CA – Golden Gate Theatre
• September 29 – El Cajon, CA – The Magnolia
• September 30 – Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre

This extensive tour allows Sparks to connect directly with fans and showcase their new material live, creating an experience that celebrates their music while adding new layers of meaning to their legacy as live performers.

The Broader Impact: Connecting Through Music

The significance of Sparks transcends mere entertainment; it evolves into a cultural touchstone for conversations about existentialism, the absurdity of life, and the delicate dance between humor and heartache. As they set out on their upcoming tour, the Mael brothers express their desire to engage audiences not only musically but also in meaningful discourse.

Musicians often play crucial roles in articulating emotional truths within society, and Sparks’ commitment to authenticity resonates strongly within contemporary music. "Drowned in a Sea of Tears" invites listeners into a universe where vulnerability and earnest expression reign supreme, establishing a critical bridge in bridging personal experience with broader societal narratives.

Anticipating Future Ventures

Amidst their busy schedule, Sparks indicates plans to dive back into the film industry. Russell mentioned aspirations to collaborate with iconic director John Woo on a new musical project, highlighting their intent to push creative boundaries beyond traditional music albums. This upcoming venture reflects Sparks' distinct ability to adapt and evolve, staying relevant while continuously exploring various art forms.

In a world increasingly characterized by digital distractions and fleeting trends, the authenticity found in Sparks’ work plays an integral role in crafting an enduring connection with their audience. As they step into this next phase with Mad! and their North American tour, Sparks stands at a fascinating intersection of music, film, and emotional exploration, poised to continue their legacy of innovation.

FAQ

When is the new album Mad! being released?

The album Mad! is set for release on May 23, 2025.

What is the title of the new single Sparks released?

The new single is titled "Drowned in a Sea of Tears."

Who directed the music video for “Drowned in a Sea of Tears”?

The music video for "Drowned in a Sea of Tears" was directed by Amber Navarro.

Are Sparks going on tour? Where can I find tour dates?

Yes, Sparks will embark on a North American tour starting September 5, 2025. You can find the complete list of tour dates above in the article.

How many studio albums have Sparks released?

Mad! will be Sparks’ 26th studio album, exemplifying their prolific career in music.

What themes does "Drowned in a Sea of Tears" explore?

The song explores themes of emotional struggle and the quest for redemption, presented through the narrative of a woman overcoming her emotional turmoil.

What are Sparks’ plans for future projects?

Following the release of Mad!, Sparks plans to collaborate with director John Woo on a new musical project, continuing their exploration of music and film.