Mister Metaphor began in Sacramento in the early 2000s. The band dubbed as math rock made quite an impression on the local music scene in a rather short period of time. Made up of Mike Sparks (vocals and guitar), Ben Edrington (guitar), Ryan Rake (bass) and Justin Goings (drums) this talented foursome’s popularity has stood the test of time. They are technical enough to blow your mind, while remaining melodic. The fact that their complex time signatures seem effortless has made them rather memorable.
During the bands four years together they recorded 2 EPs. The first, Die on the High Road, was released by Omnibus Records. It quickly sold out. They second, How We’re Livin’ was never officially released but was made available online for free.
In 2005 the band dissolved. Besides a reunion show in 2010 at Townhouse, Mister Metaphor hasn’t made a peep. Eight years later and half of the band has moved to different cities pursuing new musical adventures. While each member has moved onto other projects, Mister Metaphor is still a celebrated name. They have gathered fans after the fact, without promotion, playing shows or even being a band any longer.
Lucky for us, Mister Metaphor will be reuniting at the LAUNCH kick off party Thursday, September 5th at Ace of Spades. The band will be sharing the stage with long time friends An Angle and Wallpaper.
TUBE was recently able to catch up with Mike Sparks to learn a little more in-depth about what is coming up, going on and what we can expect at their upcoming show. Here is what he had to say.
TUBE: A reunion show in 2010 at the Townhouse is the last time I remember hearing about you playing together. Do you plan on doing shows every 3-4 years or so?
SPARKS: Really both of the shows were random. People had been wanting us to do a reunion show for several years, and finally we had an offer in 2010 that felt right. This Launch show was heralded as an homage to nostalgia. Several disbanded groups are getting together, and when asked, we though it would be a cool opportunity to play again. Not sure what the future holds, but I don’t think any of us are against getting together for more shows in the future.
TUBE: Can we expect any new material at the Ace Of Spades show?
SPARKS: We worked on a couple things but we didn’t have enough time to flesh anything out completely. I wouldn’t be surprised if we wrote some stuff in the future.
TUBE: How do you practice since you do not all live in the same city? Internet?
SPARKS: Justin and I flew in to Sacramento about a week and a half before the show. It only took a couple of practices to dust off the cobwebs.
TUBE: You toured with An Angle a few times in the early/mid 2000s. How do you feel about sharing the stage with your old friends again?
SPARKS: I’ve played with An Angle off and on since its inception and Mister Metaphor and An Angle have been close friends throughout the last ten years. It’s a pleasure and an honor to share the stage with them again, it’s going to be a blast.
TUBE: Can you tell us one of your favorite Mister Metaphor memories.
SPARKS: Playing with a puppet show, a belly dancer, and a band called Meatwhistle in a Phoenix warehouse rings a bell. That whole tour was fraught with circumstances and shows that were so bad, they had to be laughed at. Plagued with bug bites, drinking at rest areas, learning how to catch an alligator from the bass player of a pearl jam cover band in New Orleans. Too many good memories.
TUBE: Anyone in particular you are excited to see play at LAUNCH?
SPARKS: I always relish the chance to see Tera Melos. They are one of the most unique and impressive bands out there right now. Also they are totally awesome people.
TUBE: What is everybody working on now? Still playing music?
SPARKS: Up in Seattle I play with A couple of really cool bands, and Justin is doing the same thing in LA. Ben is sitting in his room writing some of the most amazing spanish guitar stuff I’ve ever heard, and Ryan plays a bit, but has mainly settled into family life with a beautiful wife and baby boy.
TUBE: Anything else we should know?
SPARKS: Well, like I said, never say never to the future. We have been mulling around the idea of writing new songs. Could happen sooner than you think.
For more information on the show visit the LAUNCH website.