When At the Drive-In announced their somewhat permanent hiatus in March 2001, co-founder Jim Ward (vocals/guitar) immediately started working with bandmates Paul Hinojos (guitar) and Tony Hajjar (drums) under the Sparta moniker. El Paso native and Belknap ba**ist Matt Miller joined the band several months later. Within a year, the punk-inspired four-piece had a deal with Dreamworks. Sparta released the Austere EP in March 2002. Five months later, Sparta issued their debut full-length, Wiretap Scars. The band returned two years later with the ambitious Porcelain. North American tours followed into 2005; in May, the band announced the departure of founding member Paul Hinojos. Ex-Engine Down/Denali guitarist Keeley Davis was added to the group before the year's end. A deal with Hollywood followed in early 2006. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide