Released in 2002, Wiretap Scars was the first full-length album for El Paso, Texas punk rock band, Sparta. After a few EPs and side projects, Jim Ward and company went all in to produce this album. While it was not met with the highest praise, the album and its members were applauded for getting this one out after a rough demise of a previous project.
Members have come and gone, passion has come and gone, and then returned again. Two constants have remained with Sparta: lead vocalist Jim Ward and his partner in crime Matt Miller (although not from day one, he has been around long enough). When Wiretap Scars was conjured up, all band members contributed to writing, making it a complete group effort, which is something Ward really wanted.
With the tour coming to an end, Miller and drummer Neil Hennessy made a stop in Rochester on Aug. 5, playing the rustic basement-styled Montage Music Hall. Off the beaten path, Montage seems like a dive bar as you walk by, but once you enter, you are taken into a special place, not like Narnia, but special in its own right. Posters of artists of yesteryear adorn the walls, stickers are plastered on board near the “ticket counter” that promote smaller bands, radio, stations, etc. This little gem of a venue hosts small acts, big acts, loud acts, and quieter ones. It is also a venue used during Rochester International Jazz Festival. A smaller elevated stage, with simpler lighting, this was a perfect landing spot for Sparta.
In fashion, Ward, Miller, and Hennessy played Wiretap Scars in its entirety, without interruption. Being new to the band, I was intrigued by it all. The vocals, Hennessy on drums, and the intimate setting were all perfect and the overall sounds were reminiscent of the late 90s alternative flavors. While they identify as punk rock, there is nothing stopping the alternative feels.
With the high energy “Cut Your Ribbon” starting the show-off, the 150 or so fans were immediately sucked into the time warp of the album and were not slowed any as the songs kept coming. When the final track was completed about 45 minutes later, fans were left wanting more. Young fans and those presumably in their mid-40s cheered on Ward as he talked about tearing up Rochester after the show. With Sunday off, they have some time to see what the city has to offer.
Continuing for another half hour or so, Sparta kept the energy alive, playing tracks from more recent albums including the self-titled album, Trust The River (2020), and Threes (2006). Unlike many other bands, Ward and Sparta do not do encores. He said it in part due to him being lazy, but mainly “just play the whole fucking set.” No need to get dolled up and splash on fresh cologne or chug half of a beer. Alas, there is no encore on this night.
In a recent interview, Ward talked about how he likes that the band, either past or present, isn’t a one-man show. Ideas are bounced off each other, and he trusts the musicians with their feedback. During the pandemic, which sadly coincided with the new album release, Ward would create some music and send it off to Miller and ask him to make some music to go with it as a guitarist. For him, it was easier to do that, because the body language of either party could not be read. He felt that element led to a lot of compromise.
I learned a long time ago to not say never.
Jim Ward, on working with a band together in a studio again
Twenty years later, Sparta has given itself new life. Wiretap Scars is one of those albums that may have gotten lost on you, but lucky for all of us, we have 24/7 access to their music with streaming services. Give them a listen for the first time or pick up where you left off and keep on rocking.
Setlist: (from Wiretap Scars) Cut Your Ribbon, Air, Mye, Collapse, Sans Cosm, Light Burns Clear, Cataract, Red Alibi, Rx Coup, Glasshouse Tarot, Echodyne Harmonic, Assemble the Empire
Breaking the Broken, While Oceana Sleeps, Empty House, Miracle, Atlas
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