Sparta - Taking Back Control

With Taking Back Control, Sparta join the growing number of U.S bands who have released a song protesting against the presidency of George W. Bush. The first single off their new album, "Threes", is everything you would expect from this experienced quartet - loud, fast and angry, yet slightly too generic.

The sound is, sadly, far to polished and well rounded. Taking Back Control is the result of four long years of evolution in slightly edgy punk rock with an emo feel that's just a little too confronting to be Snow Patrol. But not by much. You see, the track consists of a strong (but not particularly inspiring) guitar and some loud drums. In other words, except for a little shine here and there, nothing particularly here new for Sparta (or the art of music) at all.

Frontman Jim Ward says that he was inspired to write the single because, as a Texan, he knows what Bush is all about. This is reflected in the lyrics, which are clearly Iraq inspired. Redeeming, though, is the notion that there is hope for the future - an idea that a lot of bands covering the Bush thing have yet to grasp. In a set of doomsday predictions, spoofs and angry diatribe - Ward's view to the future is somewhat refreshing.

Ultimately, Sparta fans will be sated - but there probably won't be anyone new along for the ride.

RATING: 2 out of 5