04 August 2011
A Jim Ward solo full length has always been on the cards for the ex At The Drive-In frontman. When the post-hardcore band split, Ward took his rebel’s view and joined Drive-In drummer Tony Hajjar and bassist Paul Hinojos in their more radio friendly project, Sparta as well as starting his own alt-country oeuvre in Sleepercar.
Although Sparta and Sleepercar have gained Ward his inimitable style and acclaimed recognition, both bands were mere stepping-stones in transition to Quiet In The Valley, On The Shores The End Begins. The debut is an EP trio hybrid of acoustic tracks he started in 2006 whilst on Sparta’s last tour. Plucked from EPs Quiet (2007), In The Valley, On The Shores (2009) and this year’s The End Begins, the verbose title can almost be forgiven because of its pertinent back-story.
It also represents a shift in type for the El Paso native, although the record is a culmination of six years of emotions and events; At The Drive-In and Sparta fans will need to place themselves on the other side of the musical spectrum to grant these tracks the virgin ears they so deserve.
Produced in Ward’s hometown Clap of Thunder studio with Sleepercar bandmate Gabriel González, the 35-year-old recruited González and seven other local artists to back him, including Chris Heinrich, Chad Morris, Joel Quintana (Sleepercar, Metatron), Charles Berry (The Lusitania), Nicole Smith (The Royalty), Gregg Sosa and Ray Wallace (Secret Life of Sparrows).
Upon first listen of a song like Waves In Spanish, a modest narrative that lethargically crosses the finish line at seven minutes 11 seconds, the disparity is particularly evident.
Similar tracks like the swinging On My Way Back Home Again or lush canon Decades - a tribute to his ten year marriage, both induce a state of soporific harmony between Ward and the listener. Folk guitars and hints of piano unbend you whilst controlled lyrics like “I crawled into your smile” evoke surprisingly intricate images.
Ward’s other tracks are shorter but still gravitational; lead single and In The Valley EP extraction, Broken Songs spawned from a conversation between Ward and Tegan Quin (one half of Canadian sister duo, Tegan and Sara). Both expressed a tendency to escape certain situations for fear of getting attached and although all lyrics and music were written by Ward, it’s apposite that Quin features on the commitmentphobe ballad.
The entirely instrumental Lake Travis is another highlight where complex guitar lines and jazz sounds paint Ward in a whole new light. Ward has even anticipated the hesitancy of fans who aren’t quite ready for the departure; the album includes a six-track self explanatory EP titled The Electric Six. Ward has re-recorded songs from the album with a more Sparta-friendly attitude. The electric version of Take It Back featuring Maura Davis of Denali will be a favourite for its experimental, anthem-esque leanings.
Quiet In The Valley, On The Shores The End Begins may be jagged for some fans to digest, and they’ll grip tight to The Electric Six, but true zealots who have followed his EPs since 2006 will lap up the hybrid collection. What will prove interesting however, is whether Ward will kick on with his acoustic-country sound or wear the more recent Electric Six hat in his next offering.
Quiet In The Valley, On The Shores The End Begins is out now through EMI Music.
Jim Ward will play three dates in Australia from August 10 - 13.
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