Dublin-based duo Big Sleep share fun-filled debut EP Feeling Something Someday

Fast-rising indie kids Big Sleep have released their infectious debut EP Feeling Something Someday, following the effortlessly catchy previewed singles 'Tutti Frutti' and 'In My Head'.

The Italian-Irish pairing made up of Dubliner Rónán Connolly and Florence-born Matteo Poli first met in school when Poli came to Dublin on exchange to learn English. After endless hours spent playing open mics, charity gigs, battles of the bands and busking sessions, Big Sleep gained a reputation for their energetic live shows. They've performed as a four-piece with a roster of some of Dublin’s most talented musicians, and are currently finishing up a run of Italian dates.

Inspired by alternative and garage rock, Big Sleep infuse R&B, pop and soul to forge music swirling with flecks of DOPE LEMON, Lime Cordiale, Tom Misch, Whitney and The Drums.

Kickstarting with the romance-tinged 'Hunnibee', the adorably laidback crooner is brimming with earnest moments of yearning and sweetness. "So if you were to leave, that's alright with me / 'Cause I'll keep it moving when the morning comes / and you'll be better off with another one / the kind of guy with a bit more time to spend those long lazy days in the sun riverside," vocalist Rónán Connolly declares.

The song's soulful subject can't help but compare himself to his loved one's partner. "You're my number one hunnibee / So obvious I wish I could see...But I'm a fool to believe in you."

Trumpet melodies and pop soundscapes layer the track in textures that demand to be heard live. 'In My Head' was inspired by soul, R&B and pop outfits such as Jamiroquai, Jungle, Parcels and Tom Misch.

'In My Head' details the turbulent times of a relationship that stays the course in the hopes of brighter days on the horizon: "We could be star-crossed lovers if we make it through the night". The track debuted on RTE 2FM, after their tongue-in-cheek video for 'Tutti Frutti' gained deserved traction.

'Bláthnaid' is the perfect middle track, cushioned between bops and chilled out grooves. "Age sixteen now you're session queen / it's time to hit the town to get your white lightning / looks like we did you a favour / no need for fishing, kiddo / the Liffey's intoxicated with some chemical waste, Connolly says.

Weaving in Dublin references with clever, accessible storytelling, the narrative builds to a crescendo on the magical chorus.

'Such a Shame' begins with warped synths and steady drum beat, quietening down for Rónán's easygoing vocal delivery. "They'll tell the story of the kid who took on the city / Oh he made it big / I know that nonsense and I know just how it goes, can you hear that sound? It's the pound of the hearts of gold beating heavy as the city folds."

Brimming with feelings of nostalgia, anyone vying to leave their hometown (against their will, for many Dubliners) will find comfort in the track.

Lead single 'Tutti Frutti' concludes the project with a bang. The Jam, Joy Division and Molchat Doma are all embedded in the song's radio-friendly DNA. It contrasts driving percussive rhythms, gritty guitar riffs and dirty bass lines with unguarded lyrics brought to life by Connolly's charismatic voice. The video is also gas - take a look below.

James Smith (formerly of Gypsies on the Autobahn, currently J Smith) sound engineered, produced and mixed the EP's tracks. Matteo Poli (drums, percussion), Rónán Connolly (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Aidan Gray (bass guitar), Jacopo (lead guitar) and Jessie Russell (trumpet, Cooks But We're Chefs) recorded on the single.

"The EP is nearly a year in the making from a collection of songs that we wrote during pre-Covid times when we were gigging around Dublin," Big Sleep say in a press release.

"There are also songs that we had the time to drive ourselves mad taking apart and putting back together again over the pandemic. We were lucky enough to work with one of our heroes in the Irish music scene, James Smith who mixed and produced the EP. When I was 18, I remember seeing his band for the first time in Vicar Street supporting Little Green Cars and I was hooked ever since so we knew our songs were in good hands when he decided to work together. We tracked vocals and guitar overdubs between myself and Matteo's shared house and in James' family home," Rónán adds.

There's undoubtedly sparks of creativity flying in Big Sleep HQ, and we can't wait to see the reception for their superbly fun debut project. Watch this space, they'll be all over the airwaves any day now - deservedly so.

Listen to Feel Something Someday below.