In celebration of the 20th anniversary of their landmark debut album “Wiretap Scars,” the post-hardcore band Sparta is excited to announce its first-ever vinyl release. Canadian indie label Dine Alone Records has taken on this monumental project, providing fans with a fresh way to experience an album that has stood the test of time.
The vinyl release adds a tangible, nostalgic dimension to an album that helped define the early 2000s post-hardcore and alternative rock scene.
Sparta, originally formed by Jim Ward, Matt Miller, Paul Hinojos, and Tony Hajjar after the dissolution of their previous band, At the Drive-In, made a strong debut with “Wiretap Scars” back in 2002. The album, originally released on Dreamworks Records, features fan favorites like “Air” and “Cut Your Ribbon.” It has been critically acclaimed for its melodic but hard-hitting approach to post-hardcore, serving as a seminal work in the genre.
Currently, Sparta’s lineup consists of Jim Ward and Matt Miller, joined by drummer Neil Hennessy on tour. After releasing two albums in recent years—2020’s “Trust The River” and a self-titled album last year, both through Dine Alone Records—the band continues to evolve while maintaining its core sound. Jim Ward’s longstanding career is a testament to his dedication to creating meaningful music; he’s also explored the alt-country scene with his project Sleepercar and recently debuted his first solo album, “Daggers.”
This special anniversary tour kicks off Sparta’s first shows of 2023, and they’re not coming alone. The band will be supporting Thursday on selected dates and Moneen on others. The tour, already underway, spans multiple locations in the United States and Canada, marking an exciting period for both old and new fans to catch the band live.
SPARTA live shows:
Sep 8 Fri Leeds, United Kingdom
Sep 9 Sat Glasgow, United Kingdom
Sep 10 Sun London, United Kingdom
Sep 12 Tue Köln, Germany
Sep 13 Wed Berlin, Germany
Sep 15 Fri Hamburg, Germany
Sep 16 Sat Bremen, Germany
Sep 17 Sun Bruxelles, Belgium
Sep 22 Fri North Myrtle Beach, SC, United States *
Sep 30 Sat Sayreville, NJ, United States *
Continued below…
Nov 2 Thu Toronto, ON, Canada #
Nov 3 Fri Bronson, FL, United States #
Nov 4 Sat Montreal, QC, Canada #
Nov 7 Tue Winnipeg, MB, Canada #
Nov 8 Wed Saskatoon, SK, Canada #
Nov 10 Fri Calgary, AB, Canada #
Nov 11 Sat Edmonton, AB, Canada #
Nov 13 Mon Vancouver, BC, Canada #
* supporting Thursday
# supporting Moneen
Want to keep the beat going?
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