Big Sleep - “Old Friend”
Pic by OLIVIA COX
Dublin’s Big Sleep have just released the absorbing, hushed and melodically graceful “Old Friend.”
“Old Friend” is a folk-rock track that I would describe as sitting in a fascinating sonic cross section between TV on the Radio’s “Ambulance” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Man of the World.” The music moves slowly, steadily. As if you are taking a long walk with your thoughts reflecting on friendship, love and the bittersweet feelings from intimacy.
The emotional electric guitar playing is a clear highlight, casting tranquil, immersive atmospherics with sounds that bloom warmly. Space is allowed to develop between each phrase and note creating a sense of conversation with the lead vocal. A plucked motif threads the song together tenderly shaping the momentum as a solitary drum anchors a sense of contemplation.
The intimate, rounded, brooding vocal guides us through the composition with vulnerability and a sublime sense of soldering intensity. It is soulful, a deeply human presence in what is otherwise an otherworldly atmosphere. With subtle harmonies wrapping around the performance is nothing short of spellbinding.
“Old Friend” is a masterclass in restraint. It draws you in. Every note, breath and beat resonates deeply and with a quiet intensity. The single is released ahead of Big Sleep’s debut album Holy Show slated for release February 20th via Lab Records.