Head Values
Apollon, 2022
8/10
A long running, psychedelic-pop band from Norway, Sleepyard produce delicate melodies, sparing use of heavenly vocals and manage to sound both other worldly and organic at the same time.
The album leads with the atmospheric and dreamy “Klinkekule”, where airy flute guides the soothing climate, and “Peace Voyage” follows with a nearly New Age haze that shimmers with very gentle vocals.
Residing in the middle, “Dream Solution” is textured softly with a hypnotic, ambient approach that’s beat friendly, while “Green Heaven” emits an atypical, cinematic quality that’s quite mysterious.
Nearing the end, “Theme From Slow Earth” places much emphasis on piano as grace and emotion are present and appreciated, and “Holy Day (Revisited)” exits the listen much like how it started- minimal, reflective and with subtle use of instruments that almost seems therapeutic.
There’s plenty of instruments used here, including cello, harmonica, sitar, pedal steel guitar and melodica to name a few. However, they’re used to subtly and strategically, as the underlying theme of the affair is quiet, tranquil sounds. In a time when the world is so chaotic, Sleepyard truly are a breath of fresh air.
Travels well with: Weserbergland- Sacrae Symphoniae Nr. 1; 35 Tapes- Home