Sparta is from El Paso, Texas. The band formed in 2001 after its three founding members (Jim Ward/guitar/vocals, Paul Hinojos/guitar, and Tony Hajjar/drums) split from post-hardcore group At the Drive-In, while Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodríguez-López returned to their side-project De Facto, and shortly after formed The Mars Volta. While many fans and members drew initial lines in the sand (*Cedric recently 'liked' an Instragram post of Jim's on the release of the new album, which was nice to see), I was always a fan of both/all projects. As my blog title would suggest, TMV had a far bigger impact on me, but I was always rooting for Jim Ward and Sparta, who released back to back amazing albums with 'Wiretap Scars' and 'Porcelain' in 2002/2004. While those are my favorites (also their only 2 albums including all 3 founding members), I would confidently say I think the band has been consistent in the quality of their albums -- including Ward's solo releases (which proliferated during an off/on Sparta hiatus beginning 2008 following their 3rd album, 'Threes', the last album Tony Hajjar contributed drums).
The band in its current iteration is a three-piece, with the newest addition being drummer Neil Hennessy in 2025 for the recently released new album, 'Cut A Silhouette', alongside Jim Ward (guitar/vocals) and Matt Miller (bass/backing vocals since 2001 following the brief tenure of bassist Erick Sanger and a constant contributor/member throughout).
"Mouthbreather" is probably my standout favorite on the album, but the entire album is solid from front to back, and the ten tracks clocking in at 33 minutes will likely inspire repeat listens to fans new or old.
