El Paso, TX – April 18, 2008 – The first song conceived for West Texas originated in a moment of solitude while Jim Ward was waiting to soundcheck on what turned out to be the last At The Drive In tour. Fast forward seven years, and Ward is set to release a full length album chock full of Americana rock inspired by all things West Texas and influenced by the likes of The Old 97’s, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. The songs explore different uses of rhythms, voices and moods, allowing Ward to be more diverse with the compositions.

West Texas has a lot of strength and expansive depth, creating a sprawling, beautiful sound. The sounds of the instruments add to the reflective theme Ward hoped to explore. The final recording took place in a second-story loft with dome ceilings in El Paso— with Matthew Schmitz playing drums and recording the drum tracks over the course of a year or so. Ward recorded all the guitars, keyboards and pianos at his own home studio with Chris Heinrich, Gabe Gonzalez, and Ward’s father Jeff, rounding out the recordings on guitar, piano, and bass respectively (Heinrich-pedal steel/guitar, Gonzalez-piano Jeff Ward-bass). Additional musicians include 6-string guitar and farfisa by Ross Godfrey of Morcheeba fame with Maura Davis of Denali and Ambulette featured on “You Should Run,” and backup vocals on seven additional tracks. The record was mixed at Sonic Ranch with Justin Leeah at the controls.

From the opening notes of “A Broken Promise,” to the echoed chords of “Wasting My Time,” Sleepercar’s West Texas reflects the environment of its birth. From the soft vocal wave to the pulse-racing conviction of songs like the dynamic “Wednesday Night” we hear all sides of what Ward is capable of. Propelled by an array of sonic styles and tempos, colored by heartfelt, adoring lyrics, the songs on West Texas are a declaration of love. “West Texas is my home, my land and my soul” says Ward.

Sleepercar Tour Dates:
May 12 2008 8:00P The Clubhouse Tempe, Arizona
May 13 2008 8:00P Spaceland Los Angeles, California
May 19 2008 8:00P Chop Suey w/ City and Colour Seattle, Washington
May 20 2008 8:00P Hawthorne Theatre w/ City and Colour Portland, Oregon
May 21 2008 6:00P Orpheum w/ City and Colour Vancouver, British Columbia
May 22 2008 7:30P Royal Theatre w/ City and Colour Victoria, British Columbia
May 25 2008 8:00P Jack Singer Hall w/ City and Colour Calgary, Alberta
May 26 2008 8:00P U of Lethbridge w/City and Colour Lethbridge, Alberta
May 27 2008 8:00P Medicine Hat College w/ City and Colour Medicine Hat, Alberta
May 28 2008 8:00P Northern Alberta Jubilee w/City and Colour Edmonton, Alberta
May 29 2008 8:00P Lakeview Auditorium w/City and Colour Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
May 31 2008 8:00P Burton Cummings Theatre w/City and Colour Winnipeg, Manitoba
Jun 3 2008 8:00P St Denis Theatre w/ City and Colour Montreal, Quebec
Jun 4 2008 7:00P Bronson Centre w/ City and Colour Ottawa, Ontario
Jun 5 2008 7:00P Bronson Centre w/ City and Colour Ottawa, Ontario
Jun 6 2008 7:00P Massey Hall w/ City and Colour Toronto, Ontario
Jun 7 2008 7:00P Massey Hall w/ City and Colour Toronto, Ontario
Jun 11 2008 8:00P Mercury Lounge New York, New York

The cover art for West Texas was taken by Ward in Tornillo, Texas.

Jim Ward is currently the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Sparta. He was also the co-founder, guitarist and backup singer for At the Drive-In.

For more information on Sleepercar, please check out MySpace.com - Sleepercar - EL PASO, Texas - Americana - www.myspace.com/sleepercarwesttexas.