Music Review: Sleepies, More Humans EP

By Less Lee Moore

Brooklyn’s Sleepies are back with a new EP and it’s a good one. Though not as sonically varied as last year’s full-length Weird Wild World album (review), it does establish a definitive sound for the band, giving us even more to look forward to with their next release.

“Big Rip” starts with the same kind of nervous, guttural bass that permeated Weird Wild World as part of a long musical intro that builds tension until the vocals start. Is it likening a bad breakup to ripping off a band-aid or a tear in the space-time continuum or both? Sleepies’ lyrics continue to confound and delight: “I’m sick of the ‘fuck you’ dancing.” (By the way, that’s “large array” not “lingerie” in case you were wondering like I was.)

A brief appetizer for the next song, “Dig” plays on the term “infinity walk” (look it up) with some sublime music and clackety drum noises. Singer Thomas Seely’s snotty delivery is on delicious overdrive, too, a perfect contrast to their meaty instrumentation.

I love the guitar bridge in “Plant Life,” which, lyrics-wise, seems to compare computers to plants and another obtuse, intriguing line “back when witches could curse themselves.”

The far-too-short EP ends with a riveting cover of Public Image Limited’s “Annalisa,” which is pitch perfect and possibly even more neurotic than the original, especially towards the end, which manifests as an out-of-control episode of mania.

Despite only three original compositions, More Humans proves that Sleepies are not beholden to anyone but themselves. Bring on the next album, gentlemen. We are waiting.

More Humans was released on September 7 for National Cassette Store Day with a digital release following on September 24. You can purchase a copy for yourself on Godmode.