CD REVIEW: Simon Scardanelli - That Dangerous Sparkle
Maverick Magazine, August 2008

No-one will ever be able to accuse Simon Scardanelli of holding anything
back on THAT DANGEROUS SPARKLE. Whether it's a huge anthem like The Valentines, or the cracked emotions of the title track, it's all laid out for everyone to see. That kind of rare honesty makes THAT DANGEROUS SPARKLE a spine-tingling listen at times. When you know that there is nothing between you and the musician, the effect is heightened ten fold, so it is with Simon Scardanelli. The only drawback is that there is little respite on this emotional roller-coaster. Blessed with a voice as emotionally bottomless as the songs he sings, Scardanelli eventually overpowers. Even ballads (a completely inadequate description) like She Comes and When You're Lying are so pinpoint accurate they become just as draining as the grandest rock anthem.

On THAT DANGEROUS SPARKLE, Simon Scardanelli tangles the listener up in a web of pure, undiluted emotion but this not the fake theatrical kind, what's said is truly meant. Once you begin the journey, there's no getting away from THAT DANGEROUS SPARKLE. It is a deep, dark and at times dangerous ride but it's also a satisfying one. MM

CD REVIEW: Simon Scardanelli - That Dangerous Sparkle
Sound on Sound Magazine, December 2007. Sam Ingliss
“Simon’s greatest asset is a fantastic singing voice, and he makes full use of its capabilities here.
His performance on tracks such as “They Dance” bear comparison to the likes of Scott Walker.”

CD REVIEW: Simon Scardanelli - That Dangerous Sparkle
By Chip Withrow - 11/25/2007 www.Musesmuse.com
Artist: Simon Scardanelli
Album: That Dangerous Sparkle
Label: Resonator Records
Website: http://www.scardanelli.com
Genre: Alternative Folk/Pop
Sounds Like: Roxy Music, David Bowie, U2, Coldplay
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 8/10
Overall Talent Level: 8/10
Songwriting Skills: 8/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: Let There Be a Place, It's Only Life.

CD Review: This disc is off the well-worn path of what I listen to most, which makes it both challenging and refreshing. Simon Scardanelli reminds me of a couple of lush-sounding artists from the past (Roxy Music and Roger Waters’ solo work, for example) and also brings to mind some of the atmospheric, dramatic pop offered today (such as Coldplay and Keane).
The album opens with the prettily-strummed, synth-washed “The Valentines.” This tale of star-crossed lovers builds in intensity, Scardanelli’s low rumble of a voice becoming more plaintive as layers of instruments and backing vocals are added. On “They Dance,” Scardanelli’s vocal might be a bit overwrought, but the percussion-and-arpeggioed-synth loop is hypnotic.

Then comes perhaps the best track, the gospel-ish “Let There Be a Place,” a well-conceived blend of electronica and power ballad. A choir of backing vocals is the perfect heartfelt foil for Scardanelli’s weathered, world-weary delivery.
The title track is a letdown after “Place,” and “She Comes” also starts out ponderously. But a couple of minutes in, tension starts to build, and "She Comes" bursts into frenzied sax and thumping bass guitar and snare. I would like to hear that groove developed with lyrics. “Risky Business” starts with sweet yet mournful sax, and it drags some before settling into a heavy backbeat and sweeping synth/strings.

“It’s Only Life” is the fully-realized serious groove that “She Comes” and “Risky” hint at, a Bowie-meets-U2 burner. Scardanelli’s guttural spoken vocal is by turns humorous and sinister.

“When You’re Lying” is a simple, pretty acoustic ballad – a nice change from the density of the other tracks. And the closing “Take Your Hand Away” is similarly charming, morphing back and forth between a Cole Porter-style jazzy plea and a Harry Nillson-style tear-jerker.

That Dangerous Sparkle stumbles just a few times, but overall it is an ambitious grand statement from Simon Scardanelli. As a writer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist, Scardanelli is a craftsman who deserves an in-depth listen.

THAT DANGEROUS SPARKLE - Reviewed by Sid Cowens, Properganda Magazine. June/July 2007

Conceived on an epic scale this CD proves a real surprise. Once a hit maker as half of pop-rockers Big Bam Boo, Scardanelli has been emersed in serious music study over the past decade, following a period of living in New York composing installation works for art events and scores for experimental films.

He has definitely brought some of that experimental flair with him into this new CD,although here it’s used to add texture to what can mostly be described as conventional song structures. The albums opener, The Valentines, starts with the sound of waves before the acoustic guitar and piano kick the song into life. Simon’s vocals have something of the David McComb about them and The Triffids are a good reference point. There’s also a touch of Scott Walker as the first half of the album gives up a series of epic ballads. In the middle of She Comes the tune suddenly gives way to clattering percussion and soprano sax drenched in reverb and the ground has shifted. Surpise twists follow, with Risky Business and the following It’s Only Life taking serious left turns. This is ambitious stuff that demands serious attention.

THAT DANGEROUS SPARKLE - Reviewed by Evan Parker - Base.Ad May 2007

To be honest, when I first pressed play on Brummie singer/songwriter Simon Scardanelli's third album That Dangerous Sparkle I was expecting to hear dreary and inoffensive James Blunt type music. I was even more put off by the fact that he was previously in an (now defunct) '80s rock duo called Big Bam Boo which some of you older music fans might have heard of, or not. However I was surprised with the versatility of the album. What isn't a surprise however is the fact that Scardanelli is currently taking a PhD in electro-acoustic composition. The album sees him flirting with folk flutes, subtle keyboard textures and bleepy electro bits.

The album can be divided into two parts musically. The first half packed with powerful melodic ballads, with Scardanelli crooning away over flutes and acoustic guitar.

The album takes a dark experimental twist halfway through the tense ‘She Comes' where Scardanelli's wail pierces through the tranquil acoustic guitar and summons a frantic saxophone solo from the pits of hell. The second half also sees Scardanelli breaking away from his croon and singing in his own natural accent. The album highlight is the vocoder heavy ‘Risky Business' which sees the return of the unsettling saxophone, which this time battles with a haunting organ. At 9:11 minutes long the track never feels bloated or pretentious.

You never know what is lurking around That Dangerous Sparkle's dark corner, but whatever it is will always shock and surprise. Scardanelli is always prepared to take a risk, and we should all hope that it is this experimentation that is the future of British singer/songwriters.

Live At The Kiln – Wed 14th Dec, 2005
Musician's Challenge: Live At The Kiln – Wed 14th Dec, 2005

Simon Scardanelli
"Simon crackles and fizzes as he walks, he is all angles and sharp edges, sparks and flashes, - he probably breathes nothing but pure ozone. The only thing static about him is the electricity he generates. If he is still, for example when listening supportively to another performer or waiting to make his entrance, you don't feel he is at rest or at ease, merely pausing before having to leap up or change direction. He is rushing somewhere but for the moment we have to be grateful it is just on stage to perform his music. That bundled, coiled energy fuels his performance and if it doesn't leave him exhausted, strung out and wasted at the end then it certainly does to those of us who are watching and listening. His songs are his own, always personal, sometimes surreal, but with a genuine sense of the absurd: his is a world where it is foolish to try but where you do it anyway. Simon is probably still looking to find out where he fits, where his audience is and where he can make the best connection. He will always worry that he is in the wrong place but there is no need. Fish out of water; I don't think so. The audience were hooked." - © Neil Dalton. 2005

"Back in the late 80s, Scardanelli used to be half of acoustic pop duo Big Bam Boo, a sort of Anglo-Canadian answer to The Proclaimers who threatened to carve out sizeable success with debut album Fun, Faith & Fairplay but, disappointingly, failed to find any chart favour despite enjoying considerable air play with debut single Shooting From My Heart.

A second album went unreleased and the pair split up, Scardanelli, now based in New York , moving into composing for experimental films and art installations. He kept his musical hand in playing acoustic venues before returning to the UK in the mid 90s to pursue a music degree.

Currently writing a PhD on electro-acoustic composition at Birmingham University , he's recently resurfaced on the live circuit as well as releasing Hobohemia (Resonator), his first album in a decade.

Pretty much stripped back to acoustic strummed basics and Scardanelli's slightly nasal tones there's plenty here to engage and enfold with songs that pitch into downbeat takes on politics, love and social issues, be it be the depressing urban vision of A Town Called Iron Strike where he sounds like an anti-Martyn Joseph, the angry homeless-lined streets of the largely spoken Why?, or the despairing folk blues My Punishment which evokes the early work of Roy Harper.

On the dramatic speak-sing fable The Ballad of Genevieve, Chris DeBurgh collides with Nick Cave, while the soaring cry for reconciliation and redemption of the dramatic If You Could See Me Now provides a hopeful contrast to the pessimistic view of humanity encompassed in Uncommon Times. It's good to have him back, even if he's unlikely to send you out into the night feeling overwhelmed by the joys of life."
Mike Davies, Birmingham101.com

"Headlining this Tuesday's 'Unplugged Night' is acoustic artist Simon Scardanelli. A tall, pallid man with spiked silver hair dressed in faded jeans and a grey-blue shirt, he has a frosty stage presence against the warm, golden glow of debees bar. At one point he comments ironically - "I'm known for my cheerful songs!" in the middle of a set that features ballads about homelessness, torture and devil worshipping. But though his looks are grim and tunes full of melancholy, Scardanelli provides enough friendly banter to lighten the atmosphere and such a classy stirring performance that the chill air of depression is dispelled.

Scardanelli has a clear, searing voice that fills the room, ringing out emotively on his high notes. Through-out the set he displays masterful control over his vocals, often bringing in an edge of gruffness or a warbling quality without any hitches in the harmony. However, half the time he is not singing but monologuing to the steady throb of his guitar. He has the sort of speaking voice that would be well suited to telling ghost stories around a campfire. It is the perfect compliment to his lyrics which are themselves dark haunting fables of rueful reflection. In 'Why' he takes the listener on an intoxicating journey through the electric city, halting for many angry exchanges with tramps. The foreboding words of 'My Punishment' take us from bursts of ecstasy and then plunge us into pits of despair.

His acoustic guitar-lines are often more upbeat than the lyrics that accompany them. Scardanelli stamps his foot rhythmically upon the stage as he weaves melodies that are wandering and unpredictable, rich and nuanced. The heart-warming strains of 'Uncommon Times' is perhaps the finest example of the bittersweet blend of his words, voice and instrumentation. He is a first-rate singer/songwriter."
De Bees Music Bar, Winsford, Cheshire . Tuesday 4th October 2005. Writen by Kelly Cowley. Rating - 5/5

"Simon Scardanelli both opened and closed the show for us with an exquisitely crafted set of perfect songs from a singer/songwriter with well over 15 years experience in the trade. Simon's original brush with pop stardom came in the late 80's when he charted in the US with his then-band Big Bam Boo - but now he is back with a new album (Hobohemia) and you can catch him on the road at venues across the country. Powerful emotions run throughout lyrics delivered by a rich voice that reaches out to parts that other singers can only dream of. Iron Strike and Uncommon Times are stand-out examples of songwriting from the heart, and to be frank we can't rate Simon's talents highly enough."
VF All-Dayer Festival at Chapel Bar Islington, Saturday August 6th 2005

"Simon Scardanelli's performance was particularly memorable. Powerful melodies, an impeccable vocal performance, decent song structures and lyrics that are actually worth listening to. Perfect."
BBC Radio Berkshire , Newbury Fringe Festival.

"Simon Scardanelli is completely individual and utterly uncompromising. His dynamic performance takes you on musical journeys through seedy underbellies to profound ruminations. An expert guitarist with a unique voice, Simon has talent in abundance but his ability to make a stage his own is a strength unparalleled by most performers. Currently touring the U.K. to promote his new album 'Hobohemia' make sure you check out one of his stunning live shows."
Oscar's Academy of Sound , 4th April 05 at Viva Viva

"Simon Scardanelli was just total class, his songs are masterly observations of life and his voice is startlingly powerful. A highlight for me was the epic "Why" which evolved from a monologue about his years living in New York's "Alphabet City"(the ones Prince sings about in his song of that name).Those of us who witnessed it were blown away - we MUST get Simon back to Leicester to a bigger audience - he well deserves it."
Kevin Hewick, The Musician , Leicester

"Simon Scardanelli says a lot with an acoustic guitar and incredibly emotive voice. He uses the guitar very well to support his message full of grit and Scardanelli means every word. You really get the feeling that Scardanelli is on a mission to make us aware of what's going on around us. He's got the angry young man thing going on and he definitely requires your attention. I'm sure he grabs your attention at a live show. I'd love to hear him with a band. I like where Scardanelli is coming from, I think he's more than capable of doing something way beyond an acoustic guitar/vocal cd. I visited his website and this guy is into some really cool and interesting stuff."
Musesmuse.com CD REVIEW : By Ann Klein - 01/25/05 - 08:22 PM EST Simon Scardanelli - Hobohemia

"The sensation you get when you listen to a really good album for the first time is of excitement, joy and exhilaration. Despite its irritating title, Simon Scardanelli's first album for ten years, HOBOHEMIA, has already warmed my heart and I've only had it for three days.

When I first opened the jiffy bag and pulled the CD out, I was confronted by an extraordinary looking man. The face that stared back at me from the cover was gaunt, drawn and extremely intriguing. Scardanelli's curious appearance made me most anxious to find out what sort of sounds might emanate from this individual. Most importantly for any work, I like my expectations and preconceptions to be baffled or exceeded. Rarely does a work come along that succeeds in doing both so effectively.

This collection of eight songs is like an open wound. Sore and red raw in places the lyrics are stuffed with powerful imagery which, when rendered in Scardanelli's delicious whine, become imbued with melancholy and passion. The subjects touched on include politics, love and homelessness. All are dealt with effectively and in a style which offers comment only through a comparatively unbiased statement of the facts. The listener is invited to make up their own mind rather than being told specifically what to think on an issue. This sort of delicate handling of complex and difficult topics gives the body of songs and the album its flavour.

I had not heard of Scardanelli before this album arrived on my desk but it is clear both from listening to his material and looking at his biography that he has a long history as a songsmith. His work is full of the intricate lyrical turns of phrase present in the songs of writers who have spent a lifetime behind the guitar and pen. Nevertheless, this record sounds remarkably fresh and exciting to me. I suspect this owes more to the fact that its author is currently undertaking a PhD in electro-acoustic composition than the years spent in America both with and without Big Bam Boo with whom he found fame in the 80's. The PhD follows long years of study and sonic research which must, I feel, be the inspiration behind some of the sounds heard here.

The guitar work is consummate in its ease and sounds quite literally perfect to my ear in places; the result I think both of great writing and a real knowledge of how to translate sounds into songs through recording media. I suggest anybody ought to go and buy this album if they have any love of singer-songwriters."
Simon's Songs are sensational - by Jon Massey, St Albans Observer, January 27th 2005