sparta - threes

i think there are those that would brand this as part of the emo scene, the lyrics certainly seems to imply a certain level of angst and inner turmoil being experienced.

thankfully the personaly negativity that perpetuates is actually rather suited to the noises that they surround these outpourings with. there are elements of post punk desires in the style of guitar production (no they are not angular, but more awkward than your usual protooled gloss), and the layered vocals are at times startling, with the best example red.right.return being of particular note where the desire to push the boundaries are there for all to hear, but still within the constraints of a big powerful audience pleasing song structure.

the press release states that these recordings were hammered home in some abandoned warehouse in el paso, mexico, which could be why the music sounds so epic and vast in scope, therefore making the results perfect for the big arena scene. there are touches of coldplay and u2, and even pink floyd thrown out across the albums 13 tracks (hello without a sound), not in a soft focus slow motion manner, but more hard edged urgent manner.

mtv and fm radio stations are going to love this, and you know when in the mood, it’s hard not argue as to why the band shouldn’t get the mass audience they obviously crave.

it should also be noted that initial pressings of the album come with an extra dvd that consists of a short film, eme nakia, giving fans an insight into the plight of a young tony hajjar (the bands drummer), and the difficult family based experiences following them getting out of the lebanon during the civil war. it’s pretty typical tv soap drama stuff, but as its based upon fact, the reasons are all the more apparent. the story is obviously from the heart, and makes for a refreshing change from the usual studio out takes and videos that these extras normally comprise.