Sleep Parade - You AreHere

Mon 3rd Apr, 2006 in Music Reviews

An impressive and ambitious effort from these Melbournites who have the knack of producing a big sound along with a semi-unique style. Sleep Parade (formerly Pyramid) formed in 2004 and since then have grown in popularity quite fast. Having filled such prominent venues such as The Esplanade Hotel (The St. Kilda Espy), and the Duke of Windsor within that time, they have been working hard on pushing the progressive envelope.

Possessing a dynamic sound that includes the use of synthesising electronics, guitar effects and even some drum loops accompanied by their emotive sounding rock, these guys are quickly moving towards national stardom. So much new and exciting music has been coming out of Melbourne these days, and Sleep Parade will no doubt be listed as a future graduate of our ever-growing scene. Moody electronic music has been created on this five track EP and it sounds good, credit goes to Aria Award winning producer Lindsay Gravina (Jet, The Living End) who worked on the album when it was recorded at Birdland Studios.

The track Lost incorporates a futuristic sound and an aura of ominous animosity with fantastically ensuring guitar guided by the masterful vocals of Leigh Davies. Perhaps subtly, but evidently, a hint of The Rasmus` sound can be heard particularly well on the icy calm of Take Me Down. This first track takes you on a journey far away from the main streets of Melbourne depicted on the album cover. With bands like Karnivool and Cog recently paving the way musically, a change from the classic British and US rock formula, Sleep Parade have formed an original sound of their own first with Transcend Your Ancestry and now with You Are Here. This new sound has evolved from years of gigging experience between each of Sleep Parade`s members.

You Are Here as a whole, more than serves as a good listen, it vibrates in the mind for some time, giving the listener something to hum along to long after, its lingering effects are almost intoxicating. It pours out emotion and is smothered in an atmospheric and unique sincerity. Strangely, it seems easy enough to lose yourself within the expanse of this far reaching music that Sleep Parade has so wonderfully crafted. Here`s looking forward to some more magic on a hopeful album.