Sleeper/Agent – About Last Night
Review by Jessica Klinner
While the cover art of Sleeper Agent’s second full-length album, About Last Night, suggests a disheveled and distraught experience to come, the tracks within are far from such. In the three years since their debut album, Celabrasion, was released, the Kentucky natives did some soul searching, and the result is About Last Night. In a recent interview with Alternative Press, Tony Smith (vocals, guitar) revealed that many of the songs were inspired by late night shenanigans and honest realizations. This would explain why there is no title track. The album name exists to describe the essence of the songs collectively. The songs on About Last Night still cling to the sounds that made Sleeper Agent stand out on Celabrasion while adding a new element of electronic sounds. Though some may disagree, the songs on About Last Night do not stray far from the original Sleeper Agent sound. The new songs are far more polished than the earlier garage band, rough sounding cuts, but it’s just a product of maturity and musical growth. Strong bass lines and drums still heavily drive the tracks, and lead singer Alex Kandel’s vocals remain raw and gritty. The only difference is the added electronic element in many of the songs, making it appeal to a wider range of listeners.
The opening track called “Be Brave” is a great introduction to the album. The fast guitar riffs interrupted by an electronic chord blend the new and old sound of Sleeper Agent together and make an instant connection with the listener.
Fans became familiar with the band’s new musical direction after the first single, “Waves,” was released a few months ago. It’s a perfect beach tune not only because of its title and melody, but also because it engulfs listeners in auditory waves.
“Haunting Me” continues the trend of catchy tunes, but takes the tempo down a notch. Unlike the previous songs, Kandel’s vocals are not competing with loud instruments for the spotlight. It’s the first time on the record that her authentic vocals shine through.
While Kandel may command the vocals, the additional voice heard on the tracks belongs to guitarist Smith. The union of Kandel and Smith’s voices creates a beautiful harmony that stands out in the haunting track “Shut” and the lighthearted “Sweetheart.” The two singers are actually engaged to be married which makes their sugary sweet power pop songs even sweeter.
Overall, About Last Night reintroduces the unique dynamic created by Sleeper Agent on Celabrasion with a bit more spice. Instead of head banging, fans will now groove along to every song. If you’ve ever seen Sleeper Agent live, you know their energy is infectious, and it comes across in this album. If this album were a book, each song would be a chapter that explores the experiences of the band over the last three years. About Last Night may give Sleeper Agent just the right amount of push to send them soaring into the next level in their career. After touring with New Politics earlier this year and with several music festivals lined up for this summer, Sleeper Agent are stepping back out into the music world armed with a new sound and a contagious energy.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Recommended Tracks: “Be Brave,” “Me On You” & “Haunting Me”
Website // Facebook // Twitter
