HEAVY SLEEPER stands out on CHIME
Photo Credit: Jack Ludwick
The shoegaze band HEAVY SLEEPER can’t agree on a favorite track off their new EP CHIME. “They’re all special and we hate them all,” they joke over email.
The melodic hooks, strong songwriting, and stellar production on CHIME make it some of the best music the band has put out to date. Lyrically, the band explores finding comfort in isolation, the impossibility of running from our shadow, and our tendency to drag others down with us. The band’s sound pulls directly from alt-rock, shoegaze, and post-punk to form what the band dubs “space punk.” On the tracks, vocalist Jordan Kulp sings with a casual coolness, at the same time, pulling us deeper into a reflective state.
Kulp on guitar/vocals, along with St. John Faulkner on drums, Todd Johnson on bass, and Quentin Singer on guitar have been playing together since college. “We all met at school in Boston. We were always hanging out, and we just started writing songs together during late-night basement practice until we were a band,” they write.
“All of the songs on CHIME were written when we were living together in Boston, but since moving, we’ve been writing remotely and getting together to record and play shows,” the band writes. Currently, the band is living all over the US. “We’re actually all a little spread out at the moment. Half of the band is in LA, our bass player lives in Nashville and our drummer lives in NYC,” they detail. “Everyone has been doing their own career/life pursuits since, but still doing Heavy Sleeper.”
Even though the band is currently separated by geography, their songwriting process remains collaborative. “Someone usually comes to everyone with an idea, and we typically develop everything together as a full band,” they explain.
CHIME is the band’s follow-up to their debut Alive & Well. Recorded with Alex Poeppel, the four-track EP was released in 2017 on the Portland indie Really Rad Records. After releasing Alive & Well, the band toured in the US and abroad supporting bands such as Charmer, Soul Blind, Greet Death, and more.
The production of CHIME, the work of Jason Inguagiato (Belmot, Fit for an Autopsy, Stray From The Path), showcases the band’s songwriting strengths. The guitar tones, though heavily distorted, sit well below the vocals in the mix, letting the lyrics shine. For that, the band credits their collaborative partners. “Have to shout out our friends Alex Poeppel, Max Grazier, and Jason Inguagiato for their invaluable collaborations in the production process.” Producer Brian Claeys also contributed to the release. “Brian is a brilliant film/tv/videogame scorer and producer who also happens to be our roommate. The sixteen seconds of sauce that he added to the EP were the necessary missing ingredient. Our compliments to the chef,” the band writes.
Last month, the band released the video for the single “Drain.” Directed by Zach Cooper, the video explores the lyrical theme of trying to run from yourself. “[Zach] was looking to work with a band in our style, and we were looking for a director like him. We both came in with some conceptual and visual ideas and came out with an abstract take on trying to outrun inner darkness,” the band explains.
Though the band has no live dates scheduled at the time, they are looking to tour in support of the new release. “We’d love to tour again soon. Right now we’re planning some EP release shows, and are definitely looking forward to playing these songs live.” We can’t wait to hear it!
all under heaven's debut album What Lies Ahead Of Me, highlights the band’s evolution. The New Jersey band is Nick DeFabritus, Michael Cucci, Aaron Brenner, and Jake Rubin. Their new album blends old and new tracks, showcasing themes of loneliness, growth, and introspection through emotive shoegaze music. With contributions from band members and collaborator Wyatt Oberholzer, the album introduces new elements like synths and electronic drums. The spontaneous creation of "Believing," influenced by "Just Like Heaven," adds an energetic touch. The shift towards a more collaborative recording process revitalized their approach, leading to a renewed creative spirit. Read our interview with Nick DeFabritus and Michael Cucci in which we discuss collaboration, X-files, and making magic in the studio.