Former At the Drive In member Jim Ward's band Sparta resurfaced in 2017 with the new song "Graveyard Luck," then followed it in 2018 with "Cat Scream" and a reunion tour that saw them playing even more new songs, and now they're finally set to release a new album, their first since 2006's Threes. It's called Trust The River, and it includes "Graveyard Luck," "Cat Scream," and the just-released new single "Believe." "Believe" is a little lighter than the last two singles (and than what you usually expect from Sparta), but it's another promising taste of this LP in its own way. Jim Ward says:

"Believe" is a song that’s been on my desk for 10 years, I’ve recorded numerous versions but couldn’t quite get it where I thought it was ready until now. Once we had the basic track I sent it to my friend Carlos Arevalo from Chicano Batman for some guitar touches and was over the moon with his contribution. I couldn’t think of a better song from Trust The River to kick this new chapter off.

Jim made the new album with longtime Sparta bassist Matt Miller, guitarist Gabriel Gonzalez (who was briefly a live member of Sparta in 2003 and officially joined the band for the 2017 reunion), and new drummer Cully Symington (Cursive, Okkervil River, Beach Slang, etc), and he also got help from musician/producer David Garza. It comes out April 10 via Dine Alone. You can pre-order it here.

Sparta also announced a new run of tour dates happening this April/May, with stops in San Francisco, LA, San Diego, NYC (two nights), Philly (two nights), and Somerville. An artist presale for the whole tour is on sale now.

The NYC shows happen April 29 and 30 at Mercury Lounge. If you miss out on the presale, tickets for the NYC shows go on sale to the general public on Friday (1/24) at noon. All dates are listed below.

Tracklist

Class Blue

Cat Scream

Turquoise Dream

Spirit Away

Believe

Graveyard Luck

Dead End Signs

Miracle

Empty House

No One Can Be Nowhere

Sparta -- 2020 Tour Dates

04/23/20 - San Francisco CA @ Bottom of the Hill

04/24/20 - Los Angeles CA @ Troubadour

04/25/20 - San Diego CA @ Soda Bar

04/29/20 - New York NY @ Mercury Lounge

04/30/20 - New York NY @ Mercury Lounge

05/01/20 - Philadelphia PA @ Boot & Saddle

05/02/20 - Philadelphia PA @ Boot & Saddle

05/03/20 - Somerville MA @ ONCE Ballroom