Sparkmarker Reunite for Their First Show in 15 Years

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Jul 24, 2012

Sparkmarker's seven-year tenure in the '90s post-hardcore scene may not have garnered them superstardom, but the Vancouver crew received acclaim and cred over their records and a tireless DIY work ethic that took them across North America and Europe several times. Fifteen years after calling it quits, the band have now announced that they're returning to the stage for a reunion show in their hometown this fall.

A press release has confirmed that Sparkmarker will take to Vancouver's Rickshaw Theatre on September 28 to play songs off their two LPs: 1994's Products & Accessories and 1997's 500wattburner@seven. Original vocalist Ryan Scott, who sang on Products & Accessories, will join drummer Rob Zgaljic, bassist Jason Craig and guitarist/vocalist Kim Kinakin, who manned the mic on 500wattburner@seven. The press sheet adds that the band are "reuniting for one night."

Sparkmarker formed in 1990. Despite their West Coast locale, they were akin to New York post-hardcore acts like Quicksand and Helmet, but also influenced by Fugazi. On top of Sparkmarker's two full-lengths, the band put out a handful of seven-inch singles and issued the Treasure Chest (1990-1997) compilation through iconic hardcore imprint Revelation Records in 1999. 500wattburner@seven had been issued by Revelation offshoot Crisis Records.

Proceeds from merch sales at the show will benefit the Vancouver chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Canada, in honour of the group's late guitarist Jordan Studdard.

Joining Sparkmarker on the bill are Seattle hardcore supergroup Narrows (featuring members of Botch and Unbroken) and Vancouver's Carpenter. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday (July 25) overhere.



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