#276 - Jim Ward (Sparta)

If you know, you know. Back in the late 2000s UK scene, pennines (pronounced pen-nines) were one of those special, lightning-in-a-bottle bands. Hailing from Norwich, the four-piece featuring Henry Tremain (who went on to TTNG), Tristan Holden, Mike Wightman, and Jem Eaves crafted a clean, syncopated, pedal-free strain of math-rock and emo that relied on pure room energy, arpeggiated guitars, and zero fluff. They burned fast, dropped a handful of hand-burned demo CDRs at shows, and left behind a tight, sub-20-minute discography that achieved mythical cult status among real heads. Fast forward nearly two decades later: after unauthorized uploads hit streaming and single track "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot..." randomly exploded into millions of plays on TikTok, the band regained control of their music—leading to a sold-out London reunion show with toe and a proper definitive reissue on Topshelf Records (recordings 2008-09). This week, Tristan Holden joins the show to talk about the early Norwich days, handing out free CDRs, sharing stages with UK scene legends like Colour, Dartz!, Hot Club de Paris, and TTNG, the intentionality behind their clean tones, seeing a brand new generation discover their songs 18 years later, and what it felt like stepping back on stage together. Grab the vinyl reissue via Topshelf Records and dive into one of the best short-lived discographies in mid-2000s UK emo. 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned: pennines Official Site: pennines.band Order recordings 2008-09 on Topshelf: Topshelf Records Store Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and I discuss the new album "Remain Obscure" out on Ernest Jennings Record Company this Friday the 18th! We also get into how the band even made this record, how a festival almost killed the band, Hollywood Squares, and a bar fight. Buy the record! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Simpson joins to talk about his upcoming solo show with Davey von Bohlen (The Promise Ring, Maritime) this Friday in Milwaukee at Burnhearts starting at 6pm! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis and I last talked for episode 30 back in 2014! In between texts and tours, this was a great time to reconnect. Travis shares stories about the "Tales For The Rages" album. It features songs written from 2019-2025, inspired by a reunion in 2016. Out now via Iodine Recordings! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the podcast we welcome back two guests that have joined forces for a reissue out on Solid Brass Records. It’s the album Go Kid Go by Franklin. I am joined by guitarist Brian Sokel from Franklin and the legend Sonny Kay from such bands as Angel Hair and The VSS. Yet he’s an amazing artist. Sonny made this Go Kid Go Remastered and Expanded into something special. Sonny, Brian and I talk about the process of putting this together, the influx of reissues lately from this era, and what’s next for them in their creative lives including more reissues for Sonny and music from Brian with Dead Best. Go Kid Go [Remastered & Expanded] via Solid Brass Records The official release date is 7/17/26. Orders begin shipping on 7/13/26. https://solidbrassrecords.com/products/franklin-go-kid-go-remastered-expanded Dead Best https://www.instagram.com/deadbestband/ Sonny Kay https://www.sonnykay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the podcast is Jim Ward from Sparta. Sparta has a new album called Cut A Silhouette is out May 29th on Equal Vision Records! Jim and I speak about guitar tones, recording with J Robbins, co-writing for the first time on a song with Frank Iero, and how Sparta connected with Equal Vision. Lastly we talk about Jim always taking it to the bridge. You’ll get it when you listen.  https://www.sparta.band/ Support: https://www.patreon.com/washedupemo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 90s resurgence continues! The band have a bunch of upcoming shows including new music on the horizon. If you haven't heard, Portraits Of Past also recently released a cover of Rites of Spring on a split 7" with Saetia on Solid Brass. A fun conversation with a legend of the 90s era. Hope you enjoy! Support: https://www.patreon.com/washedupemo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a decade of silence, Marietta is officially back and currently in the middle of a massive resurgence. We talk about the feeling Ethan felt after going to Best Friends Forever, the emo revival, a resurgence of new generations getting into emo, and the upcoming shows.  https://linktr.ee/mariettatheband https://www.instagram.com/mariettatheband Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the podcast is Kevin Duquette from Topshelf Records! They just turned 20 years and Kevin and speak about the label over the years, the changes and what Kevin and the crew are looking forward to.  As always a great conversation about the state of emo and the once revival era that’s coming up more and more as the eras have done before.  Topshelf Records 101 on WUER https://www.instagram.com/topshelfrecords/ https://www.instagram.com/kevinduquette/ https://www.instagram.com/tonedotaudio/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon and I chat about the recently released 25th Anniversary reissue of "Just Enough Bright," emo, and Wendy's. Listen/Buy: https://beacons.ai/timespentdriving IG: https://www.instagram.com/timespentdriving/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices