After At The Drive In split up, three out of four members continued as Sparta. Drummer Tony, bassist Paul who switched to guitar and Jim who not only plays guitar and keyboards but also does the lead vocals. As it’s the band’s first recording it’s impossible not to compare Sparta to its predecessor. Although there are only four tracks on this EP the developments are clear. With Sparta the Texans choose for a more subdued and most of all melancholic approach. Melodic bass lines, dreamy guitars; and not every song builds up to the typical emo climax. Mye for example is as much an indie guitar song as it is emo. It reminds me of both Quicksand and the unsurpassed Alloy.

That can be considered a pretty big compliment. While Vacant Skies has that modern day emo feel like ATDI in its heyday on In, Casino, Out. The moderate use of electronics adds a nice flavor to the total sound. However, the band seem to be a little too reserved. A bit timid. One or two bigger climaxes would do the trick. The last song of the record Echodyne Harmonic (de-mix) is, apart from the vocals, completely electronic. A nice bonus to this promising EP. If this song is an experiment, it’s a success, and hopefully the full-length album will contain one or two more. Sparta is going to tour the USA supporting Weezer and soon afterwards the album will be released.