Sparta

Item: Wiretap Scars
Author: Jon Singer

Wiretap Scars

(2002)

Reviewed by Jon Singer

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Dreamworks RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2002

alternative rock indie rock post-hardcore post-punk

Wiretap Scars, the first full-length release from Sparta, fights hard to grasp its lofty expectations. As one of two offspring of At the Drive In, a band that won critical praise in the late 1990s, Sparta is looking to expand on their former success. At times, Wiretap Scars lives up to this goal. Most of the album, however, falls short.

Wiretap Scars is characterized by weaving guitar and keyboard parts interlaced with drummer Tony Hajjar's odd beats. Jumping in and out of the layers is lead singer Jim Ward's voice. Ward chooses unconventional melodies and has an identifiable voice, helping Sparta avoid the now-dreadful "emo" label. This musical structure also shows that Sparta hasn't changed much since their days as At the Drive In.

Songs like the aggressive "Cut Your Ribbon" and the mysterious "Echodyne Harmonic" are light years ahead of many radio hits. They make Wiretap Scars sound incredibly fresh. Other songs like "Collapse" and "Light Burns Clear" struggle, spitting out Sparta's trademark layered verses and punchy choruses without much thought.

Fans of smart alternative rock without whiny additives should check out Wiretap Scars. Devotees of At the Drive In should also enjoy the album, as long as they aren't expecting anything beyond what ATDI has already done. With Wiretap Scars, Sparta shows no signs of surpassing their successful past.

3.5 tocks