Now Sleepyhead are a Richmond, VA band that play an impressive brand of atmospheric indie rock. The male/female vocals of Karen Creighton and Michael Otley offer a unique contrast for Now Sleepyhead on Nocturne. The two vocalists seamlessly switch back and forth as they intertwine with one another over cascading walls of sound. Each and every song has an individual personality and perhaps that is why the band is so difficult to elaborate upon. The various instrumentation (acoustic and electric pianos, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, Casio SK-1, bellkit, organ, French horn, and shaker) adds several thick layers to Now Sleepyhead’s already expansive sound. Remarkably tough to pigeonhole, the band’s introspective rock is powerful and moving as well as incredibly eclectic and diverse.
For all the successes of Now Sleepyhead, Nocturne does run a little long. The album loses steam over the last quarter. However, that fails to lessen the overall emotional impact of the record. Now Sleepyhead have put together a strong artistic statement that deserves to be admired and absorbed. This is a different kind of release from Exotic Fever but no doubt a worthy one.
Genre: Indie Rock/Shoegaze
RIYL: Low, Aereogramme, My Bloody Valentine
Label: Exotic Fever/Pop Faction
Eternal Damnation
Pro Deo







