Back in September, Matt Pike dropped a bombshell on us with news of a new Sleep record some time in 2017. The new year has come and gone and prior posts on the band’s Facebook page suggest that that the boys have indeed been hard at work in the studio over the last few months. In the meantime, let’s take a quick look at their current release, a song that was initially released as part of the 2014 Adult Swim Singles Program. Another pressing of The Clarity (Southern Lord) is now available as a 12” in a variety of colors. This is your chance to grab a copy if you missed it last time.

The heaviness of classic Sleep is still there, although it seems to have become bit more refined over the years. Al Cisneros‘ vocals are clean, clear, and at the very forefront of the recording when things have been a little more muddled in the past. This draws some attention away from Pike’s guitar work, Jason Roeder‘s drumming, and even Cisneros’ own bass playing. It can also cause the track to sound a bit muted at times. However, you’ll still have your face melted off during a live performance. I say this as someone who has never worn ear plugs any of the times I’ve seen either Sleep or High on Fire. My hearing is still somehow perfectly intact so take that, science (don’t be me, take care of yourselves)!

Now, as a mostly sober individual, I judge Sleep based on how well they can transport my mind to another place while listening to them in the dark and staring at my ceiling. This ability is a gift to those of us with minds that never really seem to shut up or stop. Let the hypnotic riffs carry you away, down a river of fuzz and maybe your own drool.

8.0/10

ALEIDA LA LLAVE