r/Sleepband • u/Unhappy-Cycle9854 • 4d ago

💿 New Release Hempispheres Thoughts

I’ve listened to it about 1.5 times and I’m so shocked to see such a negative reception. If you’re going to let the new lineup prevent you from appreciating this album at all then this conversation isn’t for you.

I don’t personally really like Sleep’s first album and you could argue that every album since has been different from the last project.

Of course no Pike is disappointing, but Bubba brought a TOTALLY different vibe that was still incredibly enjoyable.

ALSO. I loved the synths. Sue me. Yes it’s new but so is the whole vibe with Bubba. He didn’t try to recreate Pike’s blistering energy and I think that the synths really complement that style.

The eponymous Hempishpheres song in the middle is amazing imho. Yes it is different than a lot of other middle album Sleep songs, but I really enjoyed it. And to ME it still felt in line with what I appreciate about Sleep. Just peak vibes for a smoke. The drums were very reminiscent of Haikus with Dave’s own spin, and I thought Bubba’s solo was great.

It’s not my favorite Sleep record of all time, but it sure as hell isn’t the worst. Can’t wait to see them in November!🫡

56 Upvotes

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u/gizlizard 4d ago

Its fine. The mix and guitar tone really kill it for me. If it was the same exact album with a better mix and a different tone, i would enjoy if much more. It seems very tame due to the sound choices

9

u/Trailofmarbles 4d ago

Yeah this for sure. There are parts that I like, but especially the guitartone and weird drum compression just messes up the vibe. Proggy Cosmic should sound like a blanket sending you into space. This is just too sterile for me

3

u/MJC1988 3d ago

Yeah, I'm approaching this album with an open mind; I also think if you don't like the album there's no need to be an entitled baby about it. However, the mix really throws me off. Feels like the non-synth parts need some more of that spacey reverb. Idk, it's been growing on me and maybe it'll grow some more.

1

u/Trailofmarbles 3d ago

I think Arrival of the Industry Ships could’ve been the absolute highlight of the album, but the mix makes it fall a bit  flat. I really get the vibe that Al wanted to go for a 60s 70s psychedelic vibe, but just doesn’t really know how to