Drastic musical leap in right direction

New journey for Jim Ward is little bit country, a little bit rock and roll

By: Alex McElroy

Posted: 5/9/08

Jim Ward's side project, Sleepercar, has come a long way from its origin. Ward started writing notes for the song "Fences Down" during a sound check when he was in Japan in January 2002, touring with his former band, At The Drive In. Through the past four years Ward has played the songs that floated through his head sporadically, picking up friends to play instruments for him, even implementing his father on bass for the band's original session in a recording studio in - what do you know - West Texas.

In 2005 Sleepercar played its first live show for a July 4 celebration. After that performance, Ward was hooked, spending any free time he had away from his current band, Sparta, to write the songs that were stuck in his head. Incrementally, he recorded the guitars, drums and piano parts in his house. Finally, after over four years of work, Sleepercar released its first album, "West Texas."

"West Texas" is a much different album from anything Ward has released. Those who are fans of his work with Sparta may be surprised by the country feel that is fluent throughout this album, which has its ups and, unfortunately, one too many downs.

The album starts off great with "A Broken Promise," a catchy song with some haunting lyrics. It's followed by "Wasting My Time," which starts well but gets a little too repetitive midway through the song. That seems to show itself a lot on the album, which can make listening to the songs a little mind-numbing. Ward does hit greatly on the third track, "Fences Down." The song has been with him since Sleepercar was conceived, and it shows because it is more mature than the other songs. It has catchy lyrics along with a great beat, easily the best song on the album.

Ward seems to run into some trouble when he slows down the pace of his songs. It feels like he's trying too hard to make that soft, country feel, and he gives up on what works for him, the upbeat jam country feel of his better tracks. If Ward had kept the pace at the same level throughout, the album would be much stronger.

In an interview with UltimateGuitar.com, Ward addressed the state of his other project.

"I'm sure there will be another album with Sparta but I think at the moment I just need to have a break from it and sort of find some inspiration and to get this all out of my system," he said.

Ward has also released his first solo EP titled, "Quiet," the first of a trilogy Ward expects to devise. The other parts currently in the works while on the road with Sleepercar.

Sleepercar will go on tour May 12 and will be in Portland at the Hawthorne Theater on May 20.

Rating: B
Check out: "A Broken Promise," "Fences Down," "Wednesday Nights"
Skip: "Wasting My Time," "You Should Run," "All Will End Well"

Alex McElroy

diversions@dailybarometer.com