Album Review: Big Sleep, Holy Show

Swell it is to be listening to ‘Don’t You Wanna’, the opening track on Big Sleep’s debut album Holy Show, in icy January. Its summery sun-kissed vibes prove irresistible, foretelling festival fields and good times. Gears change slightly with the minimalist funk of ‘Ruminate’, before the lo-fi lounge slouch of ‘Top Of The Pops’ confirms the Big Sleepers possess serious artistic chops.

‘Crude’ is a dream-pop ear-worm, lead vocalist Rónán Connolly rippling beautifully across the most delicate of arrangements – indeed, the touch of percussionist Matteo Poli is exquisite throughout the record. Elsewhere, guitarist Naiara Clarke LaFuente’s cascading opening riff on single ‘Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo’ is delicious, as are the six-string swirls and suede-soft backing vocal on ‘Bruiser’.

Elsewhere, LaFuente’s sculpting guitar on closing track ‘Old Friend’ – interlacing around Connolly’s purring vocal – is simply tremendous. Holy Show is a record, that in old parlance, possesses a Side A & Side B. They’re thematic halves, the first dealing with youthful nostalgia and idealism, while Side B doles out the heartbreak and disillusionment, albeit the duo of ‘Be Alright’ and ‘Old Friend’ offer something of a silver lining.

Equally impressive are ‘Flatline’ and ‘Bruiser’, both boasting pummelling low-end, courtesy of bassist Aidan Gray. More please!

9/10