Sparks are an American pop band formed in Los Angeles in 1972 by brothers Ron and Russell Mael, renamed from Halfnelson, formed in 1968. Known for their quirky approach to songwriting, Sparks' music is often accompanied by intelligent, sophisticated, and acerbic lyrics, and an idiosyncratic, theatrical stage presence, typified in the contrast between Russell’s animated, hyperactive front-man antics and Ron’s deadpan scowling. They are also noted for Russell Mael’s falsetto voice and Ron Mael’s keyboard playing style.