Dublin’s Sprints toured their debut album across time and space, playing 140+ shows in the UK, EU and US. Letter To Self was released in January 2024 via City Slang and it was a brutally honest expression of lyricist Karla Chubb’s place in the world. Exploring themes such as imposter syndrome, mental health and the insecurities of youth, it was at times an uncomfortable listen. Nonetheless it was an earth shattering debut which propelled the band forward evidenced in part by support slots for the likes of Idles and Fontaines D.C.
Now Sprints are set to release their “difficult” second album, but is it?
Change is inevitable for all, a fact of life and for Sprints there has been a change in line-up with guitarist Colm O’Reilly amicably leaving to be replaced by Zac Stephenson. In addition there is inevitably a sense of intrepidation by fans of a band who have loved the debut, this reviewer being one of them.
The opener ‘Abandon’ begins dark and heavy, slow and doom laden with the beat of the drum accompanied by an anxiety inducing guitar riff. The soft vocal “I used to live here” is heavy with meaning. Perhaps the most surprisingly observation is that this track never picks up the pace, which for anyone who has seen this band live is unexpected. Sprints thus demonstrate from the first song a confidence to defy expectations. This moody atmospheric beginning continues on ‘To The Bones’. The difference here is that there is a gothic element with Chubb’s deep vocal producing a nod to Bauhaus. “The evening hides me but it doesn’t hold me” alludes to a self-confidence not expressed on the debut album.
And so to ‘Descartes’ which flicks up the switch. Wildy assured, there is a determination in the delivery of the lyrics, a defiant self-belief. The increasing frustration and a moments gap before it ramps up again is all encompassing. Gone is the sub-servient imposter syndrome of Letter To Self replaced by an authoritative voice, confident and assured.
“Vanity is the curse of culture
A cyanide for the soul
Tip the tightrope delicately around ego
Don’t let either side take hold
What is it to have artistic credibility?
For am I not just a man?
I seek to take aim at commentary
I speak so therefore I understand”
‘Need’ is this reviewers highlight, no question. That lyric “Hello? Can anybody hear me?” at the outset alongwith a guitar riff which slides up and down is utterly exhilarating. The pounding drums throughout and the continuous chaotic guitar riff are goosebumps inducing. The repetition of “I need you” is somehow different from the desire for acceptance on Letter To Self, the self confidence here is astonishing as is the frantic and frenetic pace. This is going to be a firm favourite live. And then the end hits: “I need you……to leave me the fuck alone actually, please. Thank you. See you later”. How smart to have the whole song seemingly on the theme of being needy, when actually it is the complete opposite. What a clever trap, drawing the listener in to assume one thing and then turning it on its head with its final breath.
‘Beg’ and ‘Rage’ were two singles released simultaneously, a bold step. On the former “All that is over”, the title of the album, is whispered and haunting. Whereas the latter track has a swagger, and alludes to the Alcoholics Anonymous Serenity Prayer, but this is Sprints so it’s a whip twist in its interpretation.
“Give me the strength to change the things I want
Give me the courage to change the things I can’t
Give me the wisdom to know the difference
Give me the wisdom to impart the difference”
‘Somethings Gonna Happen’ rumbles along at pace. There is no distortion in the vocal here, rather it is clear and assured. The intensity grows as the track travels, the guitars and drums layered perfectly, the listener knows there is only one way this song is going. Already a favourite of their live set, ‘Somethings Gonna Happen’ speaks to this bands’ ambition and creativity. Bold and brazen, the thunderous drums and the electrifying guitar combine to create such intensity. ‘Pieces’ is a bombastic track in every sense. The drums of Jack Callan lead the way and are at the forefront throughout. How can you not utterly and hopelessly fall for this song? ‘Better’ provides a shift in pace and tone. the scrambled guitar at the outset suggests one path but when the vocals begin it becomes something else entirely. The addition of bassist Sam McCanns vocal produces an electrifying slice of shoegaze. Measured and yet still heavy, that guitar is thrilling. Yet the pace doesn’t run away with itself, and even the outro is beautifully balanced even in its skittishness.
‘Coming Alive’ is perhaps the one nod to Letter to Self which proclaimed “Am I alive?” on opening track ‘Ticking’. The pacing and rampant delivery of lyrics is thrilling here, a stream of conscience which comes tumbling out. “I’m coming alive despite your best intentions” again voices a confidence, forthright in its fighting spirit, the drumbeat re-enforcing a belief in oneself. And so to the final track ‘Desire’. It is now evident that this is a band who have total conviction in their own capabilities. Where Letter to Self admitted personal challenges and internal struggles and insecurities, that has been completely swept aside.
“I wanna eat you alive”
“I was the good, the bad, the best you ever had”
The repetition builds and builds and builds and then the calm at the end. A completely appropriate confident finish.
For more information on Sprints please check their facebook and instagram.
Review: 10 out of 10