Sleepaway is a rather apt name for this band; while they’re hardly sleep-inducing, they are, sadly for them, a bit weak and boring. No Milk Records usually has a good ear for a band, but I found this a little dull to be honest. Citing the Gin Blossoms as an influence, Sleepaway don’t really sound anything like the seminal 90s US alternative band and are nowhere near as good. While they hit some high spots in various places, there are too many average moments littered throughout this release which ultimately let the band down.
The vocals are weak throughout, not in a ‘the-vocalist-cant-sing’ way but in a sense they’re not that distinguishable. With a band like Copeland Aaron Marsh doesn’t have the strongest voice, but it is distinguished. This isn’t bad by any means, it’s just a bit non-descript, the kind of album that won’t force you to form an opinion. After several listens it’s just passed me by, it’s just bland without being bad.
www.myspace.com/sleepaway
No Milk Records
paul