Sparta - Wiretap Scars

Sparta - Wiretap Scars

Released through Dreamworks in 2002

1. Cut Your Ribbon
2. Air
3. Mye
4. Collapse
5. Sans Cosm
6. Light Burns Clear
7. Cataract
8. Red Alibi
9. RX Coup
10. Glasshouse Tarot
11. Echodyne Harmonic
12. Assemble The Empire
13. Vacant Skies (UK Bonus Track)

I’m not gonna lie to you, I only know of Sparta because I was (and still am) a big fan of At the Drive-in. At first I didn’t give Sparta a chance as I was more than impressed with the offering from the afro duo.

There is no point in making ATD-I/Sparta comparisons because frankly, you can’t. The language and structure of the lyrics that lead guitarist/vocalist Jim Ward writes are clearly influenced by his previous band, but that can only be expected. I mean your not gonna change the way you write if it’s good!

The first song is the one that was released as a promo track and I think this is because it’s the closest thing to their pre Sparta material that is on this album. Its very stop/start orientated while the vocals continue over the top and cross between shouting and singing. I like this track a lot, it’s the instant stand out track and the main reason I bought the CD. I was hoping that the rest of the album was similar to this song but it’s not. At all.

The rest of the tracks are in the same vein as earlier Jimmy Eat World stuff, while not sounding like them at all. Personally, I find it perfect background music for reading or playing Football Manager or even for nodding off to sleep with.

On occasions I find that the vocals don’t fit the music but that’s a minor gripe with the music. I think that if you like melodic post-hardcore sorta rock music, you will like this. It’s not normally my sort of music, but I’m slowly finding out that this is one of those albums that’s grows on you, as was pointed out by a forum member. Hell, if it turns out to be good I may even purchase their follow up, Porcelain.

Sparta Website