The hard work seems to pay off. The crowds are getting bigger and their name and popularity are rising. All the touring has paid off as well. The band is getting tighter and tighter and they’re more self-confident.

Singer/guitarist Jim Ward looks skinny and sinewy, almost like an undernourished athlete. Combined with his intense performance this makes him a fascinating stage personality. Drummer Tony Hajjar and guitarist Paul Hinojos really get absorbed by their playing as well. Bassist Matt Miller is as steady as a rock, though he’s moving around more than before.

The relentless touring obviously has had its effect on him as well, as he used to be the more timid band member. Sparta’s live sound has changed too within this year. It has become a little bombastic. Along the way they have lost some of the dynamics that characterize their albums. As if they’re becoming more of a rock band than an emo band.

But apart from that, Sparta’s developing for the better. They’re professional without getting cocky or pretentious. Their performance has improved but it hasn’t become a show in the wrong sense of the word. And the audience loves it. Especially “Mye” shows that emotional emo songs can be real crowd pleasers. With only one and a half records out the band don’t have too many choices what to play. So every fan gets to hear his or her favorite song.

I’m really curious how big Sparta will be able to get before the emo scene will start complaining about their status. They sure have their hearts in the right place but they’re also very ambitious. I think that’s a good thing but growing bigger than your scene usually causes people to consider bands as sellouts. But Sparta deserves to become big and I wouldn’t be surprised if they did.

(Review: Walter de Korver
Pics: Sebastien Sam)