Recorded in just seven days with D.C. legend J. Robbins of Jawbox, Cut a Silhouette is Sparta’s third album since reemerging in 2020, and their sixth overall. According to vocalist/guitarist Jim Ward, much of the material was written previous to their 2022 self-titled album, which was created during COVID and thus felt more immediate at the time. When the El Paso post-hardcore troupe hooked up with The Lawrence Arms drummer Neil Hennessy in 2023, the final piece for Silhouette fell into place. The stun-gun guitars of “Crater” give way to spacey post-rock and triumphant melodies, tapping into a vibe that channels both Fugazi and Quicksand. Along with “Mouthbreather,” the track was co-written with My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero. Album standout “Everything You Say” rollicks with a post-punk bassline and chiming guitars as Ward does his best Bono impression on vocals.