Rising Irish quartet Big Sleep share 'Shivering' from new EP

Dublin-based band Big Sleep have unveiled the first single from their forthcoming sophomore EP, featuring a colourful performance video filmed by Kristian Mantavalnos.

'Shivering' was produced, engineered and mixed by the uber talented James Smith (Gypsies on the Autobahn, J Smith), with mastering by Peter Maher.

"I've been, I've been up all night just shivering / I've tried counting sheep on sheep but the morning's creeping in / And I've been, I've been up all night / Can't sleep a wink...lovesick, missing you," vocalist Ronán Connolly belts in the soaring, infectious chorus. "It's been two whole weeks since you hit the door / But you told me you'd be calling 'round, on the 24th."

Building up with indie guitar riffs and a driving drum beat from Florence native Matteo Poli, it's an anthemic statement of their progress and fiery potential as a (Hot for 2023) band.

'Shivering' dives into the theme of dissociation as heartbreak looms large in a relationship. Addictive hooks are becoming Big Sleep's bread and butter, and 'Shivering' is no exception. Contrasting between yearning for a lover to return, facing insomnia as racing thoughts and memories invade their psyche.

 

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"'Shivering' was one of those songs that felt special from the moment that we started jamming it," the band recall. "It took shape in the space of a half hour, something just clicked between the band. It was born from a last minute rehearsal before a gig where we performed it that night for the first time and the crowd really seemed to resonate with it. Since then, every time we play it live, the energy in the room moves up a gear and people approach us after shows asking where they can hear it online. It's one of our favourites on this upcoming EP so we're glad that people can finally hear it in their headphones and hopefully sing it back at the next gig."

The track takes influence from the soundscapes of Big Thief while taking notes from the hard hitting choruses of The Killers, according to the Irish/Italian outfit. A vulnerable indie-rock tune, 'Shivering' acts as catharsis for those struggling to embrace the necessity of this hurt in order to move on after heartbreak.

The newcomer indie-alternative act are blazing a trail on the Irish music scene, earning key support slots for the likes of Somebody's Child and preparing to take on their headline show at Dublin's Workman's Cellar on May 13th and London's Map Studio Café on June 23rd.

The four-piece group came together at school and others later joined through the city's live music scene. Blending indie-alternative influences with pop, and soul, Big Sleep forge soundscapes that land in the intersection somewhere between JJ Cale, Jamiroqaui, and Joy Division.

Last summer saw the quartet release their debut EP alongside European tour dates across Ireland, Italy and France. Big Sleep also had packed out performances at Sea Sessions and Electric Picnic then finished 2022 with another Irish and UK Tour.

Revisit their 2022 chat with Hot Press here.

Check out the performance video for 'Shivering' below.