Sparta - November 8, 2004 - Revolution in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Nov 19 '04 (Updated Nov 23 '04)
The Bottom Line A solid show for an up and coming band. Check them out.
Sparta’s gig on November 8 at Ft. Lauderdale’s Revolution marked the first South Florida show of the band’s young career. The El Paso, Texas quartet arrived with a posse of worldly bands in tow.
The Czech Republic’s own Sunshine opened the night, playing before a handful of early arrivals. It’s unfortunate that the spunky glam/punk rockers didn’t get the chance to perform in front of a larger crowd; they may have been the best of the three opening acts. The other two openers – emo bleeding hearts Copeland and local Pompano Beach heroes Further Seems Forever – were average at best.
Sparta finally made their way to the stage. With the air conditioner turned way down and the volume turned way up, the group ripped into the thundering, drum-driven “Guns of Memorial Park,” the same way the band’s latest album Porcelain begins. It was absolutely clear, just from the opening song, that drummer Tony Hajjar would own the night. His cannon blast power and explosive style propelled the band through a mix of songs from both of the band’s full length LPs.
Lead singer and guitarist Jim Ward looked rather comfortable in his roll as frontman. Ward was reluctant at first to take the mic when he was approached by his bandmates. He has obviously shaken off nervousness that made him quiver like a wet cat during a stint opening for Pearl Jam in 2003. Ward looked confident and cool, showing a certain charisma that is necessary in all rock stars. With his new found confidence, Ward addressed the surprisingly stoic crowd a few times during the night, including once to comment on how nice it was to finally play Florida.
Ward was also poised enough to roll out a slowed, low-key version of “Collapse” from Wiretap Scars. Instead of a drudging rocker as it appears on the album, this new arrangement, which Ward said was the band’s first live attempt at it, turned the song into a plaintive, somber strum. It provided a special moment in the show and was the only time the band’s breakneck energy sagged at all.
Not to be forgotten are guitarist Paul Hinojos and bassist Matt Miller. The steady rhythm of Miller’s bass and Hinojos’s searing, melodic riffs added to the band’s surprising tightness. Almost every song began with an indistinguishable intro that sounded nothing like their studio counterparts. But whether it was through these sonic experimentations or staying true enough to the original songs, the band was always on the same page.
For an up and coming band, Sparta put on a solid rock show that showcased not only their energy but also their musicianship. Of course, the show was not perfect. There were some sound problems in the small venue and “Hiss the Villain” just isn’t the right song to end a show with. (Maybe they should try ending with the blistering version of “Cut Your Ribbon” that was played in the middle of the set.) But there is always room for improvement. Ask Jim Ward. It just takes a little time.
Setlist: Guns of Memorial Park, Mye, La Cerca, Light Burns Clear, Splinters, Death in the Family, Red Alibi, Cut Your Ribbon, Breaking the Broken, Collapse, Travel By Bloodline, While Oceana Sleeps, Air, Hiss the Villain
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Epinions.com ID:
Given2FlyMike
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Member: Mike Assenzio
Location: Sunrise, FL
Reviews written: 41
Trusted by: 13 members
About Me:
Master currency exchanger, Pearl Jam fan, Music Lover, aspiring screenplay writer, occasional musician and songwriter
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