Turstkill’s City Sleeps are an American Rock band. I regard them that in the same way that Mae is an American rock band and the same way Halo was an American rock band. They write catchy pop tunes and put them to the backing track of guitars, bass and drums with the occasional sample thrown in for good measure. On paper, it’s a predictable enough formula that has limited shelf life, yet in reality, I find myself taking quite a liking to City Sleep’s ‘Not an Angel’, and I’ve been listening to the record for over a month now.
Produced by the legendary John Feldmann, it’s a slick sounding record, and what he considers his best-produced work, in all honesty, most probably is. The guitars are crisp, the bass hits you with just the right force, and frontman Ely Dry’s vocals are lusciously smooth.
Songwise, there are predictable moments, and where songs take a while to kick in (see ‘Not an Angel’), it’s frustrating as hell. However, when they do kick in, they really are solid, well-crafted rock songs. Most importantly, there are some of the most beautiful harmonies weaving in and out of the record, that really add an extra level to City Sleep’s Sound. Beneath it all, they’re a band that writes enjoyable songs, which will ultimately entice you more than you may at first assume. Check them out on tour with Funeral for a Friend this month.
Andy R