Psychedelic electronic beats and ethereal harmonies come together in an inexplicably fitting combination in The Big Sleep's "Nature Experiments." A three-year hiatus was apparently the perfect recipe for the Brooklyn-based trio to marinate ideas and churn out a solid, full-length LP.
The Big Sleep incorporates a revival of shoegazing, a subgenre of alternative rock, which fuses separate guitar melodies and vocals into a rough and imprecise sound.
Sonya Balchandani and Danny Barria are the driving spark behind The Big Sleep, with their vocals and guitar work leading the album. They also happen to be married. The duo found its drummer, Gabe Rhodes, through a Craigslist ad.
Inspired by classic bands like The Cure and Led Zeppelin, The Big Sleep has an eclectic sound. Sugary yet dynamic, they are reminiscent of The xx or Yeah Yeah Yeahs with a much heavier edge.
In the past, The Big Sleep simply followed where the music took it. Its tracks came off as more jam sessions than bona fide compositions. Lyrics were always an afterthought.
The album begins with "#1," an anthem-like track dominated by an intense guitar backbeat. However, a gaping lack of lyrical variety shows The Big Sleep may be falling prey to its old faults.
An eerie, almost carnival-like melody begins "Valentine," which soon morphs into an electronic drone. Barria chimes in with near monotone, as Balchandani softly coos in the background. The simple track heats up as every element gains speed and vigor.
A trippy keyboard melody is the foundation for "Wood on the Water." A synthesizer adds a spacey touch to this warped and quirky track. It's a refreshing break from the frenzied shredding The Big Sleep is so fond of.
"Red Carpet" mesmerizes with ceaseless electronic repetition. The Big Sleep has nailed their progressive formula, settling into a composition pattern that highlights its strengths.
"Four Wishes" is a formidable track, made up of intense guitar riffs and menacing percussion lines. The Big Sleep isn't concerned with perfection here; the track is raw, gritty and wholly authentic.
"Meet Your Maker" holds nothing back, immediately launching into an electrifying fury of bass and guitar.
Nature Experiments has its bright spots, tracks that are memorable for their sheer uniqueness and passion.
The Big Sleep has every element it needs to be an unstoppable force in alternative music, but it has to rein in its tendency to squander away that talent with unruly riffs and muddled sections.
The Big Sleep has gained critical and popular acclaim alongside fellow indie artists Passion Pit and Freelance Whales.
"Nature Experiments" dropped on Jan. 31, the band's first release since "Sleep Forever" in 2008.
