while you can, newest release from sunsleeper
Sunsleeper releases While You Can
“showing why other publications such as Hot Topic and Loudwire, have taken notice to Sunsleeper.”
Salt Lake City indie rock group Sunsleeper has released their newest record While You Can, their sophomore release comprises of 10 hard hitting tracks that deal with anxiety, substance abuse, and how it feels to be in a musical era obsessed with data and a constant online presence. While in the height of touring the pandemic of 2020 put a halt on the world and Sunsleeper took this opportunity to reflect on themselves and took the time to work on what is now While You Can.
Starting the record with a high note and good vibes is “Porch Light”. This is a song that just reminds me of those fall evenings with friends, that feeling that’s hard to describe but we all love so much. The production on this song really embraces the cymbals and high/mid ranges of the guitar and the rest of the record will follow suit as well. This makes those lower heavier hitting portions later in the record feel that much lower.
Speaking of heavier hitting, “In The Clouds” is one of those tracks, starting hard and slowly bringing itself back down this track shows the versatility of Sunsleeper. Between the harder rock chorus and the lighter indie verses this song embraces their vast writing capabilities.
“Blemishes” rides that nice cruising mellow vibe between the nice twangy guitar parts and how the drums sit on the crash with just enough power that bring you on a journey that feels like you’re up in the clouds. Following this us is “Stay Home”, another nice ride along track that makes you want to lay in the grass and watch the clouds this time.
“Anywhere” is a very personal acoustic track consisting of guitars and vocals which makes the song feel as though you are being sung too directly. With very heartfelt lyrics this song definitely shows the writing capabilities that Sunsleeper is capable of. This leads nicely into “Quitter”, another groovy song with catchy choruses separated by nice lulls that give the chorus that much more of a punch.
“Feel What You Can”, is the hardest song on the album thus far, between the crashes, overdriven guitars, and louder vocal style compared to the rest of the album this song really shouts ‘midwest emo’ showing why other publications such as Hot Topic and Loudwire, have taken notice to Sunsleeper. “Currents” reminds me of mid 2000’s groups such as Taking Back Sunday, with its lowkey rock drums behind mellow guitars and louder vocals. Building up to a climax to cut it short, and rebuild that climax to even greater lengths to make the feel that much larger.
Starting slow and emotional, “Way Out” dives into drug abuse with its eerie chord progressions and heavier tone compared to the rest of the record. The chorus vocals really make you feel the weight of drug addiction while the band plays a much more energetic tone behind him showing just the juxtaposition that substance abuse can cause in so many lives. “Thief” ends the journey in a much more relaxed tone very similar to the first half of the record. While also being the longest track on the album, this song really closes everything nicely, containing many of the tones and sounds we heard throughout. Filled with reflection this track emphasizes what it seems Sunsleeper aimed to do with this record since the Pandemic of 2020.
This is a fantastic record you are going to want to listen to too, as I myself am excited to listen too while riding around with the windows down and embracing self reflection.
Be sure to check out While You Can wherever you get music!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/707MzEvcq1GqEP6zjmBi89?si=gtwnMjCVQEqjHwh2RvZfjw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/while-you-can/1615453508