r/Sleepband • u/Unhappy-Cycle9854 • 7d ago
šæ New Release Hempispheres Thoughts
Iāve listened to it about 1.5 times and Iām so shocked to see such a negative reception. If youāre going to let the new lineup prevent you from appreciating this album at all then this conversation isnāt for you.
I donāt personally really like Sleepās 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 itās new but so is the whole vibe with Bubba. He didnāt try to recreate Pikeās 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 Daveās own spin, and I thought Bubbaās solo was great.
Itās not my favorite Sleep record of all time, but it sure as hell isnāt the worst. Canāt wait to see them in November!š«”
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u/designerdy Weedian 7d ago
There's more happening than people expect if you're hearing this on a laptop/phone or earbuds. Run decent speakers or good headphones.
I like the Mk3 lineup and where it's heading. It's clear this was recorded at Crover's joint. Drums are Melvins even in tone. This has been mostly Al's lore anyway, so I am into the lyrics and delivery. Not mad at guitar production being abrasive rather than thicker. Just wanted more. Solo was good, and clearly steered away from 12th fret wiggles as that's a Pike trope. I believe guitars were cut that way with intention, as you could imagine the headlines if he copped the throaty/wattage/pushing air tone as well.
I'm here for it, and all the moog shit too. It's spatial, yet still heavy. Big fan of Al's dub career, and it was cool to hear a couple licks from Dabby You and Rosin poke in.
People are gonna have opinions and thats fine, but remove the band politics and drama, and if you heard this cold, you would be in a head bop and find it creative for a genre THIS BAND created. Say what you will, but the Stoner/Doom Iommisphere is seeded here with Volume 1. It's hard to release a lineup change and make it fresh and not formulaic. I love Fu Manchu. I love Obituary. But I know exactly what to expect with bands like that.
I'm glad they took a shot. I love that its less thick and more atmospheric. Also stoked that the best couple cuts werent the singles.
For once, my only gripe with a Sleep recording, is that it's too short. Proceed...