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Wiretap Scars
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| Wiretap Scars | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | August 13, 2002 | |||
| Recorded | January – March 2002 | |||
| Studio | Armoury (Vancouver) House of Blues (Encino) Cherokee (Hollywood) | |||
| Genre | Alternative rock, post-hardcore | |||
| Length | 45:38 (International edition) 49:33 (UK edition) | |||
| Label | DreamWorks | |||
| Producer | Jerry Finn | |||
| Sparta chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Wiretap Scars | ||||
| ||||
Wiretap Scars is the debut studio album by American post-hardcore band Sparta. It was released on August 13, 2002 by DreamWorks Records and peaked at number 71 on the Billboard 200. Only months separated this release from their debut EP, Austere. The album is greatly influenced by the music of At the Drive-In, with whom most of Sparta's members played before their split in 2001.
The vocals and track naming in particular reflect At the Drive-In's Relationship of Command, the last album by the group. This is in contrast to the music of the Mars Volta, formed by two other members of At the Drive-In (Omar and Cedric), which departs entirely from the post-hardcore genre.
Background
[edit]Frontman Jim Ward and guitarist Paul Hinojos both cited Fugazi and Jawbreaker as personal influences during the writing of the album.[1][2] Ward cited Billy Joel as an influence on his songwriting and melodies.[3] Ward has also noted that Radiohead's Kid A inspired him to avoid traditional song structures, stating:
Fuck the verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus. I fall into it, we all fall into it, but: We have songs where there is no strategy to the song, it's a fucking mindfuck. But it's got the hooks into it. It makes you want to listen to it. That's what I thought is great about Kid A, is that it... There's songs where there is one guitar part that does the entire song, but the rest of the song is changing it.[3]
Critical reception
[edit]| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 69/100[4] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Drowned in Sound | 9/10[6] |
| Pitchfork | 7.2/10[7] |
| Punknews.org | |
| Rolling Stone | |
| Sputnikmusic | 4.0/5[10] |
Wiretap Scars garnered positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average rating of 69, based on 14 reviews.[4]
Drowned in Sound's Andy Frankowski commended the band for retaining the Drive-In sound while offering a more controlled melodic approach to it, concluding that "[T]hey show a different sign of maturing; it's a kind of growing older without really aging. They have the same talent they had before but it's the way they deliver it that will have eyes being opened and ears to the ground."[6] Jason Jackowiak of Splendid commented about the record, "With Wiretap Scars, Sparta have not only made great strides in the progression of their art form; they've also acknowledged the artists who inspired them. That said, the question remains: will Sparta gain recognition on the basis of their own merits, or are they forever to be judged against the accomplishments of their previous employers? Only time will tell."[11] Sputnikmusic emeritus Damrod praised the band's musicality for its use of instruments and electronic beats to craft quiet yet rough tracks that flow well throughout the record, concluding that "This is a great album by a great band. Definitely one of the better Indie/Post-Hardcore bands out there. The production is good, the overall feel of the album as well. If you liked ATD-I, I guess you will have kind of easy access to this one, though it is much more mellow than most stuff by ATD-I."[10] Noel Murray of The A.V. Club said that, "Dialing down At The Drive-In's ferociousness and concentrating more on its exploration of dynamic, textured volume, Sparta has made a smartly produced, superficially exciting record full of deafening electric hum, full-throated shouts, and quiet, intricately picked guitar breaks."[12]
Alternative Press ranked "Cut Your Ribbon" at number 61 on their list of the best 100 singles from the 2000s.[13]
Tour
[edit]On April 12, 2023, the band announced a 40-city U.S. tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut record, beginning on May 4 at the Nile Half House in Mesa, Arizona and finishing on August 12 in Dallas' Southside Music Hall. '68, Thursday's Geoff Rickly and zeta were supporting acts on the tour.[14]
Track listing
[edit]All tracks are written by Sparta.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Cut Your Ribbon" | 3:04 |
| 2. | "Air" | 3:57 |
| 3. | "Mye" | 3:39 |
| 4. | "Collapse" | 4:16 |
| 5. | "Sans Cosm" | 3:59 |
| 6. | "Light Burns Clear" | 4:24 |
| 7. | "Cataract" | 5:11 |
| 8. | "Red Alibi" | 3:42 |
| 9. | "℞ Coup" | 3:14 |
| 10. | "Glasshouse Tarot" | 5:13 |
| 11. | "Echodyne Harmonic" | 3:57 |
| 12. | "Assemble the Empire" | 3:02 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 13. | "Vacant Skies" | 3:55 |
| 14. | "Echodyne Harmonic (de-mix)" |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 13. | "Vacant Skies" | 3:55 |
Personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from the liner notes of Wiretap Scars.[15]
|
Sparta
Additional musician
Artwork
|
Production
|
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2002) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA Hitseekers)[16] | 5 |
| US Billboard 200[17] | 71 |
References
[edit]- ^ Wohlfeld, Garsten (August 12, 2002). "Sparta – (K)ein Neustart". Gaestedeliste.de. Archived from the original on July 31, 2025. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
- ^ Sacher, Andrew (July 21, 2022). "Sparta's 'Wiretap Scars' turns 20; Jim Ward discusses it in new interview with If It Kills You". Brooklyn Vegan. Archived from the original on June 25, 2025. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
- ^ a b ter Haar, Martÿn (November 23, 2002). "Sparta: It's hard as shit to sing in key, man!". KindaMuzik. Archived from the original on May 16, 2025. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
- ^ a b "Reviews for Wiretap Scars by Sparta". Metacritic. Archived from the original on November 5, 2022. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ Loftus, Johnny. "Wiretap Scars - Sparta". AllMusic. Archived from the original on April 20, 2019. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
- ^ a b Frankowski, Andy (August 10, 2002). "Album Review: Sparta - Wiretap Scars". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ Carr, Eric (August 22, 2002). "Sparta: Wiretap Scars". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on January 24, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
- ^ Daren (August 27, 2002). "Sparta - Wiretap Scars". Punknews.org. Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ Appleford, Steve (August 26, 2002). "Sparta: Wiretap Scars". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Archived from the original on June 2, 2007. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
- ^ a b Damrod (June 30, 2005). "Sparta - Wiretap Scars". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ Jackowiak, Jason (August 14, 2002). "Sparta: Wiretap Scars". Splendid. Archived from the original on April 16, 2008. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ Murray, Noel (August 30, 2002). "Sparta: Wiretap Scars". The A.V. Club. The Onion. Archived from the original on August 20, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
- ^ Paul, Aubin (November 20, 2009). "At The Drive-In's "One Armed Scissor" tops AP's 'Haircut 100' singles countdown". Punknews.org. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
- ^ Kaufman, Spencer (April 12, 2023). "Sparta Announce 2023 US Tour Celebrating 20th Anniversary of Wiretap Scars [Updated]". Consequence. Archived from the original on June 6, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
- ^ Wiretap Scars (booklet). Sparta. DreamWorks. 2002. 0044503662.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "ARIA Report: Issue 677" (PDF). ARIA. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 23, 2008. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ^ "Sparta Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
External links
[edit]- Wiretap Scars at Discogs (list of releases)
Wiretap Scars
View on GrokipediaDevelopment and Recording
Band Formation
Sparta was formed in 2001 in El Paso, Texas, by Jim Ward, Tony Hajjar, and Paul Hinojos, all former members of the recently disbanded post-hardcore band At the Drive-In.[7] Following At the Drive-In's abrupt hiatus after the release of their major-label debut Relationship of Command in 2000, the trio sought to continue making music together, drawing on their shared history in the El Paso scene.[8] To complete the lineup, the band initially worked with bassist Erick Sanger for a short period before recruiting Matt Miller, an El Paso native and former bassist of local act Belknap, as their permanent bassist. With Hinojos shifting to guitar duties, this configuration—Ward on vocals and guitar, Hinojos on guitar, Miller on bass, and Hajjar on drums—solidified Sparta's core sound. The group aimed for a post-hardcore style that emphasized melody over the chaotic intensity of their previous band, allowing for more structured songwriting while retaining emotional depth.[9][3] The new ensemble began rehearsing intensively in a warehouse space in El Paso, spending about two months reconnecting and developing material.[10] These sessions culminated in the recording of a self-released 6 Song Demo later that year, which showcased their evolving approach and attracted industry attention. The demo's promise led to overtures from multiple major labels, resulting in Sparta signing with DreamWorks Records by late 2001.[11][8] This deal paved the way for their debut EP Austere in 2002 and full-length album Wiretap Scars shortly thereafter.Songwriting and Production
The songwriting for Wiretap Scars was a collaborative effort among band members Jim Ward, Paul Hinojos, Tony Hajjar, and Matt Miller, who formed Sparta following the 2001 breakup of At the Drive-In.[8] Initial jams in mid-2001 yielded eight songs in a single week, with the process emphasizing emotional catharsis and melodic structures over the prior band's abrasive aggression.[8] Demos were refined through iterative cuts, resulting in 14–15 tracks prepared for recording, of which 12–13 made the final album.[12] Recording sessions spanned January to March 2002, primarily at Armoury Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, with additional work at House of Blues Studios in Encino, California, and Cherokee Studios in Hollywood.[13] Pre-production occurred in El Paso, Texas, for two weeks in late December 2001, followed by six to eight weeks in Vancouver to capture the core instrumentation.[12] Vocals were tracked separately at House of Blues Studios in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, extending the timeline as the band avoided auto-tune in favor of natural performances.[12] Producer Jerry Finn, known for his work with acts like blink-182 and Green Day, played a pivotal role in refining Sparta's sound, introducing a structured recording order—drums first, followed by guitars and bass—to enhance tightness and polish.[12][13] He also nurtured the band, teaching recording techniques and demanding multiple vocal takes from Ward to meet high standards without digital aids.[12] Engineering was handled by Joe McGrath, with mixing overseen by Finn at Larrabee East Studios in Los Angeles and mastering by Brian Gardner at Bernie Grundman Mastering.[13] The production faced challenges in balancing the band's raw post-hardcore energy with Finn's signature glossy finish, particularly as Ward adjusted to his frontman role amid the pressure of live vocal precision.[12] Extended vocal sessions without auto-tune added weeks to the process, but contributed to the album's organic intensity.[12]Music and Lyrics
Musical Style
Wiretap Scars is classified as a post-hardcore album incorporating emo and alternative rock elements, marking a shift toward greater melodic accessibility compared to the raw punk intensity of At the Drive-In.[14][12][15] The album's sonic profile features driving rhythms provided by drummer Tony Hajjar, whose precise and powerful style anchors the tracks with a sense of propulsion, while the melodic guitar work of Jim Ward and Paul Hinojos adds layered textures through interlocking riffs and delay effects.[3][12][15] Dynamic shifts are a hallmark, with many songs transitioning from subdued, introspective verses to explosive choruses that build tension and release through heightened volume and aggression.[16] Instrumentation follows a standard rock configuration of guitars, bass, and drums, emphasizing clean production that highlights the band's interplay without excessive noise or feedback.[3] Occasional atmospheric elements, such as subtle electronic tones, enhance the overall texture in select tracks.[3] Influences on the album include Fugazi's angular guitar lines and DIY ethos, Jawbreaker's raw emotional punk delivery, Billy Joel's melodic songwriting structures, and Radiohead's experimental dissonance as heard on Kid A, which encouraged non-traditional approaches to composition and emotional depth.[12][17]Lyrical Themes
The lyrics of Wiretap Scars delve into themes of emotional turmoil, personal loss, and tentative renewal, reflecting Jim Ward's experiences during a challenging period following the dissolution of At the Drive-In. Ward has characterized the album as a means of processing these struggles, noting that it captures "a dark period of my life" marked by raw vulnerability and the search for stability amid chaos.[18] This emotional openness is evident in motifs of isolation and existential angst, drawn from real-life moments of despair, such as Ward's reflections on feeling like "your whole family fell apart" after the band's breakup, evoking a profound sense of disconnection and introspection.[19] Central to the album's lyrical content are explorations of collapse and rebuilding, often rooted in post-breakup reflections on both personal and communal fractures. For instance, tracks like "Collapse" embody themes of emotional breakdown and the faint glimmers of hope that follow, with Ward confirming that such elements stem directly from his own "falling apart" during turbulent times on tour.[12] While not explicitly focused on romantic relationships, the lyrics convey scars from interpersonal dynamics and self-doubt, using cryptic phrasing contributed by multiple band members to convey sadness, frustration, and a yearning for resolution, as in lines pondering regret and forgotten days.[15] Ward has emphasized that these words balance darkness with optimism, stating, "There are some dark parts on this record, but there’s also a lot of hope," highlighting a narrative arc of healing through vulnerability.[19] Ward's vocal delivery enhances these themes, featuring an urgent yet melodic style that contrasts the album's aggressive post-hardcore instrumentation, underscoring the tension between inner fragility and outward intensity. In the recording process, Ward embraced a raw approach without vocal tuning, spending weeks refining his performance under producer Jerry Finn to maintain authenticity, which amplifies the sense of exposed emotion in the lyrics.[12] This unpolished urgency in his singing—described by Ward as evolving from his early, less confident efforts—serves to humanize the existential weight of the themes, making the album's portrayal of scars feel immediate and relatable.[20]Release and Promotion
Singles and Marketing
The lead single from Wiretap Scars was "Cut Your Ribbon", released in 2002 as a promotional CD single by DreamWorks Records. The track was accompanied by a music video directed by Sophie Muller, which aired on MTV to introduce the band to broader audiences.[21][22] The follow-up single "Air" arrived in late 2002, also issued as a promotional CD single and emphasizing its radio-friendly hooks to attract post-hardcore listeners. It was accompanied by a music video and reached number 2 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.[23][24] DreamWorks' marketing campaign targeted post-hardcore fans through rotations on MTV and features in alternative press publications. The strategy incorporated limited physical promotional materials such as posters, alongside in-store appearances and tie-ins with the band's early tours, including a high-profile performance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in 2002.[25][12]Initial Commercial Release
Wiretap Scars was released on August 13, 2002, through DreamWorks Records in the United States, marking Sparta's debut on a major label following their signing to the imprint in 2001, the year the band formed.[26][1] The album's launch benefited from DreamWorks' resources, providing broader distribution and promotional backing for the post-hardcore outfit's first full-length effort after their EP Austere.[26] Initially available in CD format across regions including the US (catalog no. 0044-50366-2), UK (450 393-2), Europe (450 366-2), Canada (0044503662), Australia (450366-2), and Japan (UICW-1025), the release also included a vinyl LP pressing in Europe (065 210-1).[1] Digital formats were not part of the initial rollout but became accessible later through platforms like iTunes.[27] International editions featured regional variations in track listings; the UK version added the bonus track "Vacant Skies" as track 13, while the Japanese edition included both "Vacant Skies" and a remix titled "Echodyne Harmonic (de-mix)" as bonus tracks 13 and 14.[25] These additions drew from earlier material originally recorded for the band's 2002 EP Austere, enhancing the album's appeal in select markets.[25]Critical Reception
Contemporary Reviews
Upon its release in 2002, Wiretap Scars received generally positive reviews from critics, earning a Metacritic aggregate score of 69 out of 100 based on 14 reviews.[28] This score reflected a mix of enthusiasm for the album's polished sound and measured critiques of its departures from the raw intensity of the band's At the Drive-In roots. AllMusic awarded the album 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising its melodic evolution from the chaotic energy of At the Drive-In while highlighting the tight, urgent songwriting that made it a rewarding listen.[29] Pitchfork gave it 7.2 out of 10, noting its increased accessibility through solid hooks and balanced dynamics that broadened the post-hardcore formula without sacrificing potency.[3] In contrast, Rolling Stone rated it 3 out of 5 stars, critiquing the album's lack of innovation by describing it as superficially exciting despite its smart production and full-throated delivery.[30] Drowned in Sound was more effusive, assigning 9 out of 10 and lauding the record's relentless energy and atmospheric drive.[31] Critics commonly praised Wiretap Scars for retaining the spirited intensity of At the Drive-In while achieving broader appeal through more refined melodies and production.[3][29] However, some pointed to occasional formulaic post-hardcore tropes, such as predictable builds and overly polished aggression, as detracting from its edge.[30] Standout tracks like "Air" drew specific acclaim; Pitchfork described it as featuring "languid electronic backing tones and a strong contrast of moods before building to a breakneck chorus," underscoring its dynamic range.[3]Retrospective Assessments
In the years following its release, Wiretap Scars has been reevaluated as a pivotal work in the post-hardcore landscape, particularly for its role in navigating the aftermath of At the Drive-In's dissolution. A 2014 review on Sputnikmusic awarded the album 4 out of 5 stars, praising it as Sparta's bold departure from their previous band's chaotic energy, emphasizing its melodic alternative rock sensibilities influenced by acts like Sunny Day Real Estate and Fugazi, which allowed for intricate, catchy song structures that broke the "status quo" established with At the Drive-In.[32] Subsequent analyses have highlighted the album's enduring influence on the emo revival of the 2000s and beyond. In a 2023 retrospective feature on Lambgoat, the record was lauded for its masterful loud-quiet-loud dynamics and hook-driven refrains, which blended post-hardcore aggression with emo's emotional introspection, distinguishing itself from pop-punk trends through influences like Fugazi.[15] This assessment positions Wiretap Scars as a bridge between punk's raw urgency and indie rock's atmospheric subtlety, contributing to the genre's evolution by prioritizing tight musical chemistry and cryptic, introspective lyrics reflective of personal and band turmoil.[15] Marking its 20th anniversary in 2022, the album received acclaim for its timelessness in several outlets, further bolstered by a 2023 vinyl reissue from Dine Alone Records that renewed interest through limited-edition pressings. Tinnitist described it as bearing "all the traces of classic At the Drive-In" through razor-sharp guitars and emotional lung-busting vocals, yet refined with darker textures that made tracks like "Cut Your Ribbon," "Air," and "Sans Cosm" into frenzied, still-effective anthems two decades later.[33] Similarly, Guitar.com's retrospective hailed it as Sparta's "brilliant, pummelling debut," closer to At the Drive-In's aggressive blueprint than The Mars Volta's experimental detours, with producer Jerry Finn's involvement enhancing its crushing dynamics and solidifying its place in the post-hardcore canon despite the band's later hiatus.[4] Comparisons to Sparta's subsequent albums, such as 2004's Porcelain, often favor Wiretap Scars as their creative peak, with reviewers noting its more immediate, visceral impact over the follow-up's polished but less urgent sound.[32] Its reputation alongside peers underscores a shared emphasis on melodic post-hardcore, reinforcing the album's ongoing relevance in the genre's enduring narrative.[15]Commercial Performance and Touring
Chart Performance
Wiretap Scars debuted and peaked at number 71 on the US Billboard 200 chart upon its release in August 2002.[6] By mid-2004, the album had sold more than 120,000 copies in the United States, according to DreamWorks Records, reflecting solid but mid-tier commercial success for a debut post-hardcore release.[6] It did not achieve any RIAA certifications, as sales fell short of the 500,000-unit threshold for gold status. The album's chart performance was tempered by modest radio airplay for its singles, including "Cut Your Ribbon" and "Air," which received limited exposure on mainstream rock and alternative stations despite positive critical buzz. Promotional tours helped increase visibility among niche audiences, contributing to steady but not explosive sales.Associated Tours
To promote the release of Wiretap Scars in August 2002, Sparta embarked on an initial US headline tour, featuring performances at notable venues such as the Troubadour in Los Angeles on August 14, 2002.[34] The tour included support acts like Thursday on select dates, including a show at The Black Cat in Washington, DC, where Thursday opened despite drawing a significant portion of the crowd.[35][36] Setlists heavily emphasized tracks from the album, such as "Sans Cosm," "Mye," and "Red Alibi," with variations incorporating earlier material from the band's Austere EP.[37] The tour extended into 2003 with additional US headline dates and festival appearances, maintaining a focus on Wiretap Scars material to build momentum for the album.[38] Performances often featured high-energy renditions of songs like "Vacant Skies" and "Cataract," contributing to strong fan engagement during the post-release period.[37] In 2023, Sparta launched a 20th anniversary tour celebrating Wiretap Scars, consisting of a 40-city US run that began on May 4 in Mesa, Arizona, and concluded on August 12 in Dallas, Texas.[39] The tour featured full album performances in sequence, supported by acts including '68, Geoff Rickly of Thursday, and zeta, with the latter two joining for the later legs in July and August.[39][40] Highlights included intimate solo sets by Rickly and experimental post-rock openings from zeta, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere; setlists occasionally varied with encores of non-album tracks like "Wiretap" from the Austere EP, drawing enthusiastic responses from fans who praised the raw energy and emotional depth of the performances.[41][42][43]Track Listing and Personnel
Track Listing
The standard edition of Wiretap Scars, released in the United States, features 12 tracks with a total runtime of 47:38. All songs were written by the band Sparta, with primary composition credits to vocalist and guitarist Jim Ward and co-writing contributions from other members including guitarist Paul Hinojos, bassist Matt Miller, and drummer Tony Hajjar.[13][44]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Cut Your Ribbon" | Sparta | 3:04 |
| 2. | "Air" | Sparta | 3:57 |
| 3. | "Mye" | Sparta | 3:39 |
| 4. | "Collapse" | Sparta | 4:16 |
| 5. | "Sans Cosm" | Sparta | 3:59 |
| 6. | "Light Burns Clear" | Sparta | 4:24 |
| 7. | "Cataract" | Sparta | 5:11 |
| 8. | "Red Alibi" | Sparta | 3:42 |
| 9. | "℞ Coup" | Sparta | 3:14 |
| 10. | "Glasshouse Tarot" | Sparta | 5:13 |
| 11. | "Echodyne Harmonic" | Sparta | 3:57 |
| 12. | "Assemble the Empire" | Sparta | 3:02 |
