By: Staff
We had the chance to dive into The Sleepy Haunts' latest release, BLOOM, and it’s nothing short of remarkable. This album is a testament to the band's ability to craft deeply evocative and sonically compelling music. While we’ve highlighted a few standout tracks, we strongly encourage listening to the full release to experience its immersive depth and emotional resonance.
We started by listening to "twenty" and its certainly a whirlwind. From the very first notes, the bass-driven introduction delivers a stuttering, stop-start rhythm that perfectly mirrors a sense of inner turmoil and uncertainty. This dynamic arrangement immediately sets the stage for the song’s overarching theme, disorientation and existential questioning. The lyrics:
“I don’t know how to react / when I don’t have mom n dad / only cushion I receive / what do you want to be / I don’t know what to become / no career sounds any fun”,
-encapsulate a sentiment so universally relatable that it instantly resonates. The world expects young adults to make definitive choices about their future with little guidance, and this track captures that pressure with raw, unfiltered honesty.
Beyond the lyrics, the vocal phrasing and delivery elevate the song’s intensity. Gillian McMahon’s cadence, the subtle shifts in emphasis, and the interplay between her vocals and the band’s instrumental energy create a performance that feels both visceral and meticulously crafted. The drums, particularly with their crisp, rapid-fire tapping, evoke the image of an impatient foot tapping, impatient not just in sound but in meaning, mirroring the restless uncertainty expressed in the lyrics. The synergy between McMahon’s vocals, Josiah Massari’s electrifying guitar work, Noah Wager’s resonant basslines, and Sevastian Dingler’s dynamic drumming creates an immersive listening experience that is as gripping as it is intentional.
As the song progresses, it erupts into a full-fledged sonic explosion, a collision of impassioned vocals and high-energy instrumentation. McMahon’s vocal delivery takes on an almost siren-like quality, urgent, powerful, and unrelenting, conveying frustration and defiance in equal measure. The commanding intensity of her voice is matched perfectly by the gritty distortion of Massari’s guitar, which crackles with a raw, untamed energy, as though sparks are flying from the strings. The stop-start transitions throughout the track reinforce the band's precision and cohesion, showcasing an ability to seamlessly shift from full-throttle chaos to near silence with exhilarating control.
McMahon’s rapid-fire vocal execution is relentless, each syllable hitting like a percussive strike. It’s a performance that feels like watching gasoline ignite, one moment simmering, the next an unstoppable blaze. The line “I might be twenty / but I am still confused” stands out as a defining moment, embodying the album’s overarching themes of youthful uncertainty and self-exploration. The honesty woven into the song’s message makes it all the more impactful, proving that The Sleepy Haunts are not just delivering catchy hooks but creating music that speaks to the core of real-life experiences.
An unexpected yet brilliant touch comes in the form of the falsetto harmonies, adding an ethereal contrast to the track’s gritty foundation. These moments feel like a sudden breath of air amidst the storm, further highlighting the band’s dynamic range and ability to balance intensity with nuance.
Next, we explored “why do I feel this way”, and the intricate guitar work immediately caught our attention. Massari’s playing is so fluid and refined that at moments it almost feels like a synth edit, effortlessly weaving between shimmering highs and rich, textured depths. Dingler’s drumming is equally captivating, with punchy, driving rhythms and expertly executed fills that inject infectious energy into the track. Meanwhile, Wager’s bass provides a grounding, expansive foundation that ties everything together. Vocally, the mix was particularly striking, positioned just enough in the forefront to stand out but subtly embedded within the instrumental layers, creating a soaring, almost weightless effect, especially in the track’s climactic moments.
Finally, we arrived at “family”, a track that immediately sets itself apart with its introspective, melancholic tone. The opening guitar chimes softly, creating an atmosphere steeped in longing and reflection. McMahon’s vocal delivery further deepens this emotional weight, infusing every word with a palpable sense of vulnerability. When she sings:
“we had this conversation / it’s me or them,”
the gravity of the moment is undeniable. The lyrics explore the complexities of familial relationships, the tensions that arise from personal choices, and the emotional cost of self-identity. The ballad-style composition showcases the band’s impressive range, proving that their artistry extends beyond high-energy anthems into deeply moving storytelling.
Discovering The Sleepy Haunts has been an absolute thrill. “BLOOM” is not just an album, it’s a statement, a powerful, emotional, and sonically rich debut that cements the band as a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to balance unfiltered emotion with expert musicianship makes them stand out in today’s alternative music scene. We have no doubt that this release will leave a lasting impact, and we can’t wait to hear what they do next.
Seattle-based band The Sleepy Haunts are making waves with their bold and unfiltered take on alternative rock. This four-piece outfit thrives on raw emotion, weaving together melodies that hit straight to the heart while packing a punch with their instrumentals.
Fronted by Gillian McMahon, who not only delivers powerhouse vocals, but who is also the band’s songwriter, The Sleepy Haunts craft songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. Alongside Josiah Massari’s razor-sharp guitar work, Noah Wager’s deep and resonant basslines, and Sevastian Dingler’s high-impact drumming, the band creates a sound that is as dynamic as it is emotionally charged.
The Sleepy Haunts take inspiration from a wide spectrum of artists, pulling elements from the angst-filled storytelling of Alanis Morissette, the anthemic energy of Avril Lavigne, and the grunge-infused tones of Pearl Jam and The Cranberries. Their music finds a way to feel nostalgic yet completely fresh, channeling both 90s alt-rock grit and modern indie edge. McMahon’s songwriting brings an honesty that makes each track feel like a direct window into moments of self-discovery, uncertainty, and resilience.
The band’s ability to balance intensity with introspection sets them apart. Whether they’re delivering a full-throttle rock anthem or a more delicate, stripped-down moment, every note feels intentional. Their debut album, “BLOOM,” is a testament to their storytelling ability, painting a vivid picture of young adulthood, its chaos, its uncertainties, and its defining moments. With their infectious energy, evocative songwriting, and deeply resonant themes, The Sleepy Haunts are carving out a space for themselves in the alternative music scene, and they’re only getting started.
You can find this release on any major platform, make sure to playlist, stream, and share “BLOOM” by The Sleepy Haunts.
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