Wiretap Scars

Wiretap Scars is an album by Sparta, released 2002 (Dreamworks), length 51 minutes

Consisting of 12–13 tracks (depending on country of release), Wiretap Scars is the debut album of Texas, USA rock band Sparta. The album is greatly influenced by the music of At the Drive-In, with whom most of Sparta's members originally played before their split in 2001.

The vocals & track naming in particular reflect ATDI's Relationship of Command, the last album made by the group. This is in contrast to the music of The Mars Volta, formed by two other members of ATDI (Omar & Cedric), which departs entirely from the post-hardcore genre.

Wiretap Scars alternates between hardcore punk tracks such as 'Cut Your Ribbon' & more melodic, emotionally charged tracks like 'Glasshouse Tarot'. There is an overall impression of freedom throughout the album, though combined with undertones of hurt & futility perhaps given added relevance by the death of band member Jim's cousin Jeremy Ward.

While in terms of press coverage Sparta have had to make do with second place to The Mars Volta, Wiretap Scars ensures that the now-classic At The Drive-In sound will not be forgotten any time soon.

Track listing

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. RX Coup – 3:14
10. Glasshouse Tarot – 5:13
11. Echodyne Harmonic – 3:57
12. Assemble the Empire – 3:02

(UK) Vacant Skies – 3:55