by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Sleepies have returned! For many years I've considered the once trio (now a quartet) to be one of the best bands in Brooklyn but inactivity reared it's ugly head and momentum was set off track since the release of their all too classic sophomore album Weird Wild World back in 2012. Since then the band have released an EP and a stand-alone single and recent years have found them playing but a few infrequently scattered shows (which from what I've caught have been exceptional, of course). They say good things come to those who wait however... and we're thrilled to announce that Sleepies are back with their third full length album, Natural Selection, set for release on July 16th via Mirror Universe Tapes.
Sometimes life takes unexpected turns. Things can't stay the same forever, but after one listen to Sleepies' new record it's abundantly clear, we sure as hell missed Sleepies these past few years and their return couldn't be more welcome, The band's so called "nice-kid freak-punk" (their words, not ours) is tightly wound and bugged out. It's harsh and boisterous yet fun and inviting. There's an unblinking sense of cool to their swirling blend of agitated post-punk, slacker pop, and blistering indie fuzz. The songs are rooted in pop with a scuzzy layer of punk blanketing hyper aware melodies and bright distortion. It's Sleepies as only they can do... and yet better. Natural Selection was recorded all the way back in December 2014 by Patrick Higgins (Zs) at Hudson, NY's Future Past, mixed by the band's own Thomas Seely, and mastered by Ben Greenberg (Uniform, Pygmy Shrews, The Men). We've waited patiently... and the wait is over.
We're excited to share the album's first single, "Genetic Cousins" today ahead of the release later this month. Opening with a knotted riff from guitarists Seely and Doug Eng, the song plods with a Wire like capability and mangled nature, but it's undeniably Sleepies through and through, as they swerve around laid back hooks and veer into surf punk territory only to bury the airiness in a claustrophobic clatter of sneering attitude (or indifference... but you know, whatever). Josh Intrator (bass) and Max Tremblay's (drums) propulsive rhythm leads the groundwork for the guitars to tear between ominous tangled riffs and hypnotic surges. It's worth repeating... Sleepies have returned.
The band will celebrate the release on July 16th at The Silent Barn in Brooklyn, NY with Grooms, Heaven's Gate, and Parlor Walls (RSVP). The spirit of Death By Audio looms strong in this show. Don't miss it. Will they keep playing? Only time will tell (but invite them to play shows) and we can hope for the best. Back from the dead. Forever in our hearts.
