Boston indie rock duo Major Spark, the long-running creative partnership of Mark Goodman and Brian Charles, return with their sophomore album Walk Among the Poppies, a 10-track collection that blends vintage grit, lyrical sincerity, and rebellious positivity. Leading the way is “The Other Side”, a powerhouse single that embodies everything the band does best: spirited hooks, fearless exploration, and a message of resilience.
Formed out of decades of collaboration, Major Spark thrives on pushing sonic boundaries while keeping one foot firmly rooted in rock tradition. Goodman, whose résumé includes founding the band Magnet and working alongside Moe Tucker (The Velvet Underground) and David Lowery (Camper Van Beethoven), brings a songwriter’s grit and emotional clarity. Charles, a sought-after producer and engineer known for his work with Dispatch, Marina and the Diamonds, and Weakened Friends, provides a sonic playground through his Cambridge-based Rare Signals studio, where vintage analogue gear meets restless experimentation.
That dynamic is immediately evident in “The Other Side”. Built around a looped Moe Tucker drum part lifted from Magnet’s “Julie” (Don’t Be a Penguin), the track’s propulsive momentum is both raw and uplifting. It’s indie rock with a pulse of humanity, carrying echoes of rock’s past while pointing firmly forward.
While their 2021 debut, Beautiful Noise, wandered across dance-pop, surf rock, and experimental detours, Walk Among the Poppies feels more focused without sacrificing variety. The album threads together loops, layered textures, and spontaneous performances into a cohesive whole. Duets with Miranda Serra (“Be My Key” and “Back in Time”) lend tenderness and contrast, while Tom West’s improvised piano shines on the twangy, off-kilter “Take It Too Far.” Each track feels carefully crafted yet alive with spontaneity, a balance that reflects the duo’s seasoned partnership.
What ties the record together is its undercurrent of optimism. Even when wrestling with struggle and imperfection, Major Spark approach their craft with warmth and defiance. With sharp melodies, textured arrangements, and fearless genre-blending, Walk Among the Poppies invites listeners to step into a world where vulnerability and empowerment coexist.
With Walk Among the Poppies, Major Spark don’t just revisit their indie roots, they reinvent them, creating an album that feels both timeless and freshly urgent.
