Sparta (band)
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Sparta is an alternative rock/post-hardcore band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 2001. Founders Jim Ward (vocals/guitars), Paul Hinojos (bassist/guitarist), and Tony Hajjar (drummer) were former members of At the Drive-In.
Background
At the Drive-In
Formed in 1993 after the breakup of the El Paso Pussycats Which was lead by Frontman/guitarist Jim Ward and Drummer Cedrix Bixlar, the band At the Drive-In produced three studio albums, four EPs, four singles, and three music videos, of which only one recieved MTV airplay. They were known for their lively and sometimes wild live shows as well as the signature afros of two of its members, Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez. The band often struggled to encompass both its rock and experimental sounds, and in 2001, it was announced to be on "indefinite hiatus". Creative differences were cited, though Rodriguez took full credit. The use of drugs by Bixler, Rodriguez have also been cited as a cause, and the two went on to form The Mars Volta. The band has not performed again, though a 'best-of' album, This Station Is Non-Operational, was released in 2005.
Albums
Austere
Wishing to continue the rock-based stylings of At the Drive-In, Jim Ward, Paul Hinojos, and Tony Hajjar recruited Matt Miller, a native to El Paso and then bassist of the band Belknap[1]. After scoring a deal with Geffen Records (Dreamworks) in 2001, the band released their first EP entitled Austere in early 2002 under the name Sparta. The EP had mixed reviews, with most believing that the group had talent and the ability, but had yet to find their voice.[2]
Wiretap Scars
In August of 2002, Sparta released their debut full-length album, Wiretap Scars. The album, although not well received by all of the mainstream Post-Hardcore audience, brought well-earned respect and relieved some of the pressure brought on by the shadow of At the Drive-In. The record was deemed a cleaner, more accessible sound than ATDI's distortion fueled offerings[3]. True to their roots, the opening song "Cut Your Ribbon" was described as "splintering, power-hungry rock"[4], and other standout tracks such as "Cataract", "Glasshouse Tarot" and "Mye" were noted for their emotion and "absurdly exuberant melody"[5]. Sparta maintained its underground following with shows at smaller venues throughout North America and Europe. They were also exposed to a wider audience in April and May of 2003, opening several shows for Pearl Jam.
Loss of Jeremy
Following a successful tour for the album Wiretap Scars, Jim Ward suffered the loss of his cousin, Jeremy Ward. Jeremy was at the time the "sound manipulator" for The Mars Volta and previously At the Drive-in and frontman of de facto. On May 25, 2003 he died of an apparent heroin overdose. The loss of his cousin would have a profound and lasting impact on Jim Ward.
Live at La Zona Rosa
The band resumed writing new material, and on March 19, 2004 recorded a live album at La Zona Rosa. The album had 7 tracks and 6 songs, including two previously unrecorded tracks: "Lines in Sand" and "La Cerca". The album captured some of the live performance experience, but was not sold in stores and only available as a promotional CD.
Porcelain
In August of 2004, the band released their much anticipated second album, Porcelain. Despite popular belief, none of the tracks are fueled by the loss of Jeremy Ward. Tracks such as "Death in the Family" and "Travel by Bloodline" stem from other personal losses, such as Ward's grandfather and a close friend. In a 2004 issue of the magazine Alternative Press, Ward describes his feelings towards these events, and how they have affected him. "...he will admit that he hasn't yet made sense of it, and, perhaps for that reason, there isn't a song on Porcelain about Jeremy. "I don't think I'll ever make peace with that," he says. After the release, Sparta toured as the opening act for Incubus, followed by their own, headlining tour.
On the title for the album, Ward remarked[6]:
"I just liked the word Porcelain and what it implied: Something that's really beautiful and durable, but at the same time vulnerable, easily shattered. I like the duality."
Lineup Changes
After cancelling a number of tour dates, citing Paul Hinojos's "back problems", on May 24, 2005 the Sparta guitarist quit. This announcement was seen on the official Sparta website, and the following day it was announced that he had joined The Mars Volta, taking over the sound manipulation duties of the late Jeremy Ward.
After Paul's departure, the remaining members regrouped in Los Angeles to begin working on new material.
In January of 2006, the band announced that Keeley Davis of the Richmond, VA bands Denali and Engine Down had joined Sparta, filling Paul's position as guitarist. In addition, they also signed a deal with Hollywood Records, and announced their intention to release a short film, titled Eme Nakia, based on Tony Hajjar's experiences as a child in war torn Beirut, Lebanon.
Threes
On March 9, 2006, by way of their official website, Sparta announced a new album, entitled Threes. The album was released on October 24, 2006.
The band began headlining a tour in early October 2006 (after shows at Los Angeles' Viper Room and Troubadour, as well as Chicago's Lollapalooza) touring with Sound Team, Lola Ray, and As Tall As Lions at various venues throughout the United States and Canada. Two days before the release, the entire album was available for streaming on their MySpace.
Eme Nakia
In conjunction with the album Threes, Sparta is also releasing a 16-minute short film entitled "Eme Nakia". The film, the soundtrack for which is performed by Sparta, is about drummer Tony Hajjar's remarkable personal history, set during the Lebanese civil war of 1975-1990. Hajjar fled at the age of five to the United States, settling in the sprawling west Texas border town of El Paso. When Hajjar was fourteen his "Eme" died after a bout with cancer and his father, who had been distant, left the family. His brother, only 18-years old at the time, assumed responsibility for the family and raised Tony and his sister. The film follows Hajjar's early life story, showing his challenges and ending with him in present-day.
The word "Eme" is Arabic for mother, and "Nakia" was the name of Tony's mother.
Official Music Videos
- Cut Your Ribbon (2002)
- Breaking the Broken (2004)
- Taking Back Control (2006)
Extra Tracks
Several tracks performed by the band have been produced outside of the studio and live albums.
Official Songs
"Each Brave Eye" was released in 2002 as a B-side on the "Cut Your Ribbon" single.
The band also performed a cover of "Kiss the Bottle" for the Jawbreaker covers CD.
The songs "Farewell Ruins" and "Bombs and Us" were released on the Japanese version of the Porcelain album. "Farewell Ruins" was also released on a 7" vinyl and iTunes. It has been confirmed by Jim Ward [1] that "Bombs and Us" was written about the late songwriter, Elliott Smith.
An earlier version of "Taking Back Control" originally titled "Future Needs" appears on the video game Madden NFL 07.
There are also two B-sides for Threes: "As Far As We Go", which was handed out upon purchase of Threes at participating stores, and "Blood Spills", an iTunes exclusive.
Bootlegs and Takes
Various early takes of songs, some under working titles can be found on the internet, such as "The Host" (an early version of Collapse), "Trapeze" (an early version of Red Alibi) and an alternate take for "Sans Cosm".
Additionally, some fans have released tracks taken from live performances, such as acoustic versions of the songs "Air" and "Collapse" performed by Jim and Paul.
Solo Work
Jim Ward can be heard on the "My Favourite Song Writers" CD, also released in Japan, with the track "These Years". He also has a cover of Bob Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay" on the album "Paupers, Peasants, Princes & Kings"
Tony Hajjar has a project under the name "Nakia"
Discography
EPs
Studio albums
Live albums
Singles
| Year | Song | US Hot 100 | U.S. Modern Rock | U.S. Mainstream Rock | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "Air" | - | - | 35 | Wiretap Scars |
| 2006 | "Taking Back Control" | - | 25 | 24 | Threes |
See also
References
- ^ http://www.answers.com/topic/sparta-artists
- ^ http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/sparta/austere-ep.htm
- ^ http://pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/21949/Sparta_Wiretap_Scars
- ^ http://pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/21949/Sparta_Wiretap_Scars
- ^ http://www.amazon.com/Wiretap-Scars-Sparta/dp/B000069KO6
- ^ http://www.umusic.ca/sparta/