Popcelain

Sparta: Tony Hajjar, Paul Hinojos, Matt Miller, Jim Ward.
Recording information: Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, CA (2003 - 2004); Rosewood Studios, EL Paso, TX (2003 - 2004).
Unlike its former bandmates in the experimental-leaning the Mars Volta (the other group that rose from the ashes of disbanded alt-rock heroes At the Drive-In), Sparta pursues a more accessible blend of post-metal crunch, melodic song structures, and emo sensibilities. PORCELAIN, the group's second full-length release, finds Sparta at once refining its formula and ambitiously testing its possibilities. Power-chord assault, pummeling drums, technically dazzling guitar solos, and lead singer Jim Ward's impassioned vocals pack an impressive sonic wallop throughout the album.
While Sparta's hard-rock pedigree is certainly earned, the group is also adept at more meticulously textured work, as on the pizzicato guitar lilt of "While Oceana Sleeps," and "La Cerca" and "Lines in Sand," which recall 1980s acts U2 and the Cure in their use of dreamy guitar effects and post-punk vocal embellishments. Moments like the stutter-step drum-guitar interchange in "Death in the Family," and the melancholic, reverb-drenched guitar line of "Syncope" assure listeners that Sparta is no simplistic headbanging band. Instead--in their musicianship, ambition, and ability to synthesize stylistic influences--they are one of the leading lights in indie/major-label crossover rock.