– Initially published on January 19, 2020 at 4:32 p.m.
For some, the first album represents something very important. For others, this is not so much the case. One thing is certain, it is often the result of many years of work. Many get lost on the way, for fear of not succeeding in creating a work up to their expectations. Sleep Token, he found his way very well.
Sleep token in a few words
Sleep Token is a British alternative rock group, which surfaced in 2016. It is a collective of masked musicians and anonymous united by their worship of an ancient divinity roughly nicknamed “Sleep”, because no modern language can correctly express its name.
This being once held great power, giving old civilizations the gift of dreams and the curse of nightmares. Sleep Token, led by Vessel, its perpetually tormented and supremely talented leader, creates music that highlights our most submerged thoughts and feelings, leading them to get out of the desolate and terrifying caves from our subconscious.
Sleep Token enters the scene
Having already collected a large number of followers with the release of 2 EPS, One (2016) et Two (2017), Sleep Token published his first album entitled Sundowning November 22, 2019 via Spinefarm Records (Universal Music).
The news on the album is quite limited because the group tries to keep an aura of mystery around the project. The Sleep Token sound catalog is relatively varied. It mainly contains alternative rock compositions, but also pop songs and devastating metal songs.
To promote SundowningSleep Token used an interesting commercial strategy which consisted in publishing a new single every two weeks until the full release of the album. If you like alternative rock/metal, and you have a weakness for British pop singers, this group is for you.
A breath of fresh air in the world of alternative rock
The compositions are superb, and Vessel’s voice is excellent and exceptionally expressive. The only weakness of the album is probably the repetitive use of the same structures through all the tracks. We very often find a build-up with a fade at the end … Nevertheless, the elaborate melodies and the touching vocal performance of Vessel compensates.
On the other side, in terms of vibes, the opus is varied. It contains some relatively classic alternative rock songs (The Night Does Not Belong To God, Sugar, Say That You Will, Blood Sport), others more pop (Dark Signs, Give), ballads (Levitate, Take Aim, Drag Me Under), and even aggressive pieces that venture into the territories of alternative metal and djent (The Offering, Higher, Gods). Sleep Token clearly pushes the limits of alternative rock, and gives the impression of a breath of fresh air.
The production of the album (signed George Lever) is also very good. The battery is super snacking, and the sound well highlights the superb grooves which are interpreted throughout Sundowning. In addition, some electronic elements have been dotted everywhere, which adds a little more flavor.
Sleep token, it’s not just another Ghost with Chris Martin in singing
Sleep Token, it’s not just another Ghost with Chris Martin in singing. Nor is one of those groups that are based solely on a gimmick. Although the group wants to be mysterious, it is not really, and it is not a problem. If you know how to use a search engine, you will find who is vessel in 5 minutes. However, that will not take the charm of Sleep Token, which has been able to deliver a singular and moving first album.
Favorite songs of Sundowning :
- The Night Does Not Belong To God
- Sugar
- Dark Signs
Note : 5/5
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