Jim Ward has had a long association with Australia since touring with At The Drive-In in the now infamous tour of 2001. What might have seemed like a fleeting but eventful entry into the Australian musical psych Jim has returned many times to these shores under a number of musical monikers. Weather as a solo artist, At the Drive-In, Sleepercar or his Texas post-hardcore outfit Sparta Jim has always created a varied palate of music that crosses genre’s and challenges stereotypical assumptions about his music.

Sparta has revealed a new single “Miracle.” The track is off the forthcoming new album Trust The River which is set for release April 10 via Dine Alone.  It premiered on Consequence of Sound as part of their “Origins” feature series and the band’s Jim Ward told them, “(Once in the studio) I had all the parts to a song that was being written in the moment…we rehearsed it through twice, then recorded a version to listen back to. That version is what you hear now- we never touched it again. It was an experience I’ve never had before, a song exploding into existence and never looking back….it’s inspired by a fictional timeless romance that’s not been allowed. Lovers who, for whatever reason, can’t share a home or a life. Maybe the lovers are in a time when interracial or interfaith or homosexual relationships are forbidden – but the tag of the song is ‘sometimes miracles come late.’ As in – don’t give up on the love, don’t give up on the faith, don’t give up on hope – don’t give up on the song.”

Having been a member of heavy bands but also showcasing his more melancholic side via his solo work, Ward says the new Sparta album feels like the logical meeting point of his influences. “Naturally it’s coming to this unity,” he says. “Those two worlds have always been on a path towards unity. And I knew in my heart that it was coming. I’m super excited because we get to do this all in a way we want to.” he says of playing small clubs for multiple-night runs, stripped down and intimate, and then exploring whatever city he might be in. “When you’re 23 and you’re on tour you want to play the show and go to a bar and have a crazy night. I would much rather play the show, go to bed and then spend the next day in the city going to a museum or a really good lunch,” Ward explains. “Patti Smith talks about how she shows where she wants to go. I find that really cool.”

Trust The River is available for pre-order here