Sparta‘s sixth studio album “Cut A Silhouette” has been lined up for a May 29th release date through Equal Vision Records/Dine Alone. Jim Ward, formerly of At The Drive In, fronts that long-running post-hardcore outfit, and has welcomed on My Chemical Romance, etc. guitarist/vocalist Frank Iero to write the album’s lead single, “Crater“. Iero is also credited with having helped pen another new track on the album, “Mouthbreather“.
According to Ward, “Cut A Silhouette” is “a love record.” He went on to explain, “I want it to leave an impression, and at this point in my career, that’s what I yearn for. I’m working so hard to make something meaningful to me, and I really want people to get a chance to feel it as well.”
Iero said of his involvement:
“I’ve been a fan of Jim Ward’s songwriting and guitar playing for more than half my life. started by going to see At the Drive-In play at Masonic lodges and VFW halls in my teens, to booking an opening spot with MCR on an ill-fated show opening for Sparta at the Birch Hill Nightclub in NJ in my 20s — this show was cancelled day of due to an exploding frozen pipe and no one played. Cut to now being asked to write some songs with him for the newest Sparta record in my 40s…”
Recording sessions for this 10-song outing took place at Magpie Cage Recording Studio in Baltimore, MD with Jawbox‘s J. Robbins (Clutch, Shiner) behind the boards. Outside of Iero, Brooks Harlan (War On Women, ex-Jawbox) and Carlos Arévalo (Chicano Batman) guested.
“Cut A Silhouette” track listing:
01 – “Split Lip“
02 – “Crater“
03 – “Mouthbreather“
04 – “Daydream“
05 – “See You Soon“
06 – “Everything You Say“
07 – “Without Your Hands“
08 – “Midnights“
09 – “Mystery Of Missing“
10 – “Glimmer“
Various pressing options are available for the record with pre-orders up now at equalvision.com. Other options include:
Equal Vision Records Exclusive: Marigold w/poppy red splatter – limited to 250
Equal Vision Records Exclusive: Lilac w/black and white splatter – limited to 250
Retail/REV: Spanish Hearth – first pressing limited to 1000
Indie Retail: Pink/Blue/White/Poppy Marble – limited to 350
Artist Friendly: White/Lilac Starburst w/black splatter – limited to 200
Rude Records: Orange/Yellow Starburst w/black splatter – limited to 200
Sparta Tour Exclusive: Multi-Splatter – limited to 400
Sparta Web Exclusive : Blue Vinyl with Orange and Silver Splatter – limited to 100
Dine Alone Exclusive: Purple, Black & Maroon Smash w/ Splatter – limited to 100
Canada Exclusive – Yellow, Purple & Black Smash – limited to 250
[via Revolver]
