Sleeping At Last (Ghosts) :: Deeper Devotion

By Todd Kavanaugh

Artist: Sleeping At Last
Site: www.sleepingatlast.com
Album: Ghosts
Label: Interscope Records

Release: 2003
Type: Indie Rock
If you like: U2, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead

Often when I pick up a “new” album, without really knowing that much about an artist or hearing much of their music, I usually strike out. But, there is the very rare occasion when I find a gem, and Sleeping At Last’s Ghosts is the epitome of one of those discoveries.

In their freshman release Sleeping At Last has managed to establish themselves as an industry up-and-coming artist. Their creative beginnings have much to do with their early success as a band with not only their musical audience, but with industry giants. One interesting time to note is when Band members where hanging out backstage after playing a short set, and managed to get a copy of their EP into the hands of Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) which lead to a valuable relationship for Sleeping at Last in the direction of their recent album.

Ghosts is an album that will not only haunt you as the title implies, but will also inspire you. The lyrical content of each song is proof that the band put their all into every last drop of the music. Ryan O’Neal of the Sleeping at Last says:

“Before, I was trying to figure out whether I actually had anything to say at all. With Ghosts, I’ve been able to write lyrics that are true to myself, more so than anything I’ve ever done. And musically, we all put our hearts and souls into every aspect of Ghosts. This isn’t an album by a band that’s just started to find itself. It’s an album where we’ve found what we’re looking for. There’s not a single word on Ghosts that doesn’t come from what I was feeling.”

Vocally Ryan O’Neal does a spectacular job. Strong influences of Smashing Pumpkins, and Radiohead are noted, while maintaining a unique quality of voice that makes you intrigued to move on to the next track. The arrangement of the CD is thoughtful as it moves you through the many themes of the album. In the first two tracks, “Say” and “Currents” opens with probably the closest to modern pop that you can find in the album. As move to the middle the listener and haunted by songs like “Ghosts” and “A Skeleton Of Something More” and left nostalgic and in deep thought with songs like “Hurry” and “Slowly, Now”. Finally we are treated to a fine few minutes of hope and encouragement near the end of the album with driving rhythms and artful vocals of “Night Must End.”

Sleeping At Last blends a mature sound that seems beyond their years in all facets. From their captivating blend of guitar, drums, and bass to their thoughtful emotion provoking lyrics the band leaves the listener repeating the album over and over again.

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