Sparta: New Album, Tour, and Contest

Formed by erstwhile members of At the Drive-In – singer Jim Ward, guitarist Paul Hinojos and drummer Tony Hajjar – Sparta is all emo-y and whatnot: check out the swirling, pointillist guitar and melodic emotionalism of “Breaking the Broken,” the first single off of Porcelain, the band’s second album, due out July 13 on Geffen.

The band is on tour opening for Incubus and the labels have a contest going to see bands perform in Los Angeles:

After trekking through three continents, Incubus will return Stateside for their first North American tour in support of their latest album A Crow Left of the Murder which is in stores now. Also look for Sparta’s new album, Porcelain, in stores July 13th.

One lucky Grand Prize Winner and a friend will see both bands perform live at the Los Angeles Forum on August 18th. Trip includes:

Round-trip airfare provided by Orbitz
2 nights hotel accommodations
Tickets to the concert
Plus, one First Prize Winner will receive an iPod Mini!

The rest of the tour schedule

7/9/2004
Show Detroit, MI / The Palace of Auburn Hills

7/10/2004
Show Columbus, OH / Nationwide Arena

7/12/2004
Show Cleveland, OH / Tower City Amphitheatre

7/13/2004
Show Peoria, IL / Civic Center

7/14/2004
Show Chicago, IL / Allstate Arena

7/16/2004
Show Cincinnati, OH / US BANk Arena

7/17/2004
Show Lexington, KY / Rupp Arena

7/18/2004
Show Ft. Wayne, IN / Allen County War Memorial Coll.

7/20/2004
Show St Louis, MO / Savvis Center

7/21/2004
Show Indianapolis, IN / Verizon Wireless Center

7/22/2004
Show Cedar Rapids, IA / US Cellular Center

7/24/2004
Show Kansas City, MO / Kemper Arena

7/25/2004
Show Wichita, KS / Kansas Coliseum

7/26/2004
Show Denver, CO / Red Rocks Amphitheater

8/2/2004
Show Bakersfield, CA / Centennial Gardens

8/3/2004
Show Reno, NV / Lawlor Events Center

8/5/2004
Show Salt Lake City, UT / E Center

8/6/2004
Show Boise, ID / Idaho Center

8/7/2004
Show Seattle, WA / Key Arena

8/9/2004
Show San Jose, CA / HP Pavilion

8/10/2004
Show Sacramento, CA / Arco Arena

8/11/2004
Show Fresno, CA / save mart center at fresno state

8/14/2004
Show Las Vegas, NV / Thomas & Mack

8/15/2004
Show San Diego, CA / Cox Arena

8/17/2004
Show Anaheim, CA / Arrowhead Pond

8/18/2004
Show Los Angeles, CA / Great Western Forum
3900 W Manchester Blvd

Blogcritics reviews of the first Sparta album here and here.

UPDATE
Video for “Breaking the Broken” now available for your viewing pleasure:
Windows
Real
Quicktime