Posts Tagged ‘Now Sleepyhead’


22.10.2008

Now Sleepyhead: Nocturne

posted by Will

in Music Reviews

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

01%20Eternal%20Damnation.mp3

Pro Deo

03%20Pro%20Deo.mp3

www.myspace.com/nowsleepyhead

30.04.2008

Various Artists: Keep Singing!

posted by Will

in Music Reviews

A Benefit Compilation For Compassion Over Killing

Now here is a compilation actually worthy of your time and attention. As a vegetarian myself, Keep Singing! touches a personal chord for me. All the artists here are passionate about veganism, vegetarianism and animal rights. It certainly shows as Keep Singing! is a remarkable example of the power of music. There are truly some amazing bands here. Sinaloa, Life At These Speeds and Des_Ark are favorites of mine and their songs do not disappoint. Besides those three, highlights come from one of Exotic Fever’s newest signings, Now Sleepyhead, with their atmospheric track “Pandemic.” The lyrically bold “You Are Not Collateral Damage” is a classic slice of melodic hardcore from Strike Anywhere. The Vonneguts “Tonight’s A Sadist” is an intriguing post-punk romp. Off Minor’s “Abattoir” is a quick, powerful burst of energy. Boston’s Junius ends the compilation on perhaps the most compelling note as they encompass a majestic post-rock sound. Other artists included are: Gina Young, Attrition, In First Person, Sean McArdle, Wrong Day to Quit, Kathy Cashel and Ampere. Also, as an added bonus, each band/artist contributes a vegetarian/vegan recipe which can be downloaded from the enhanced CD. Sinaloa’s Vegan Mac And Cheese looks pretty delicious! As was stated, all the profits from Keep Singing! will go directly to Compassion Over Killing. Keep Singing! is one of those rare compilations that finds a perfect balance between amazing music and a great cause. Well done.

Genre: Indie/Punk/Hardcore

Label: Exotic Fever

www.myspace.com/exfrecords