REVIEW: SPRINTS @ SINCLAIR 9/25
Photo Credit: Sam Walton
Review by Isabelle Ireland
Sprints is a rock band from Dublin, Ireland. The group started with the lead singer and guitarist Karla Chubb, bassist and vocalist Sam McCann, guitarist Colm O’Reilly, and drummer Jack Callan. However, Zac Stephenson has replaced Colm O’Reilly on the guitar and has done a fantastic job. I would even say he has his own star power that really lit up the stage. Their second US/EU/UK tour began recently on September 22, and their Cambridge show at the Sinclair was just night two of their tour! Even though they had just started on the road, they had an amazing night, and “Slow Fiction” was a perfect pick for their openers.
Their setlist started with a song that combines the feeling of anxiety and relief. “Ticking” is the first song on their debut album, “Letter To Self,” and is one of their most popular songs played on the album, along with the second song they played, “Heavy.” The band did a great job of hopping and shifting through songs off the album and singles to make sure the crowd was up on their feet and also had time to sing their hearts out and sway to more of their emotionally packed songs, such as their song “Shaking Hands” and “A Wreck (A Mess).” Even though these songs are heavy-hitting, it is nearly impossible to stand still during their concert because of the high-energy performers and loud music. It is as if the speakers tell you to jump up and down, and you cannot help it. I truly think the band’s Instagram bio sums up their music the best: “Angry music you can dance to.”
The most exciting part of the show for the die-hard fans and me was when “Sprints” played their brand-new song “Feast.” “Feast” only came out two days before their Cambridge show, and they crushed the live performance. They did not miss a beat, and the fans were over the moon, shouting back at the band and jumping around. The passion for their music from the fans and the band brought the Sinclair to life, even for those who were unable to jump like they used to.
Karla Chubb has amazing vocals and sounds exactly as she does on their album. I had only wished her microphone volume was louder and the speakers were a bit clearer so her words could really hit my heart. She hit every note in their songs like a champ. It was definitely a great performance from her, and there was nothing like watching her swing her microphone and dance across the stage in such an intimate venue. Sam McCann also had a great night of singing, but once again, I wish I could hear him better! His background vocals did, however, do an amazing job at emphasizing emotion while Chubb was singing; the duo complemented each other very well. Zac Stephenson, the most recent addition, did an incredible job. I was truly shocked by his talent and the chemistry he had with the other band members. He has so much skill at his fingertips, and I would love to see him perform live once again; I see a bright future for him as a guitarist. Lastly, I wish Jack Callan had more drum solos! He did a great job staying on beat and keeping his mates together, but I wanted to see more! I do hope the band comes up with a song to highlight each of their musical talents or maybe another album.
Their individual performances together shocked me. I was honestly surprised to see such a hardworking high-energy band in a small venue. Their fans were stoked to be in such an intimate setting with their favorite band. Chubb even recognized two girls dancing next to the stage and made sure they knew how much “Sprints” appreciated the girls. Another person in the audience was almost in tears at the end of the show after “Sprints” played “Little Freak,” one of their older songs. Before playing the final number, “Sprints” lead singer, Karla Chubb, has a beautiful message about their music. She spoke for the band when she told the crowd how thankful they were for their fans and for The Sinclair for having them, and then spoke about how they will continue to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and other minority and queer rights. They want to help the queer community, and as they grow, they hope to help people and raise money for those causes. In the words of Chubb, “we make noise, but we make noise that matters.”
Overall, the band sends a great message, and although they are still new, two tours in five years is nothing to look past. For all the rockers out there, definitely keep a look out for their upcoming shows! Although they are finished in the northeast, they play again in Washington, DC, on September 30th and keep playing in the US until October 26th. If you are ready to jump around and throw your head, I recommend you start listening to “Sprints.”