Sparta frontman Jim Ward has launched the Civil Defense League label as an imprint through Doghouse Records.

The singer/guitarist will initiate activity with two releases. The first is How Will We Know We Are Dead?, a project featuring poet Bobby Byrd reading his work atop Ward's backing. The musical style would expectedly be in the vein of Ward's solo work, which appeared on Five One, Inc.'s 2004 compilation, My Favorite Songwriters. The second is an album from "2-step/dub/R&B" act Reflections, led by former Rhythm of Black Lines guitarist/vocalist Clint Newsom; some songs are available at the band's MySpace page.

Details on both releases are forthcoming.

Ward's band themselves are gearing up for the release of their new album, Threes.