www.greatnorthernmusic.com
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Great Northern – Sleepy Eepee
Recorded and engineered by Great Northern and Mathias Schneeberger at The Ship
Mixed by Great Northern and Mathias Schneeberger at Little D&B, except “Radio” which was mixed by Great Northern and Dave Trumfio
Mastered by Mark Chalecki at Capitol Mastering
Produced by Great Northern and Mathias Schneeberger
L.A.’s Great Northern follows its debut full-length Trading Twilight for Daylight with Sleepy Eepee, an EP featuring five tracks originally recorded prior to the band’s first release. Known for combining melodious songwriting with electronic noises in a wholly organic way, the sound of this aptly-named outfit embodies the cold and vast landscapes up north; the music is haunting and at times emotionally unbearable — sort of like that movie Fargo (wood chipper and all). Sleepy Eepee acts as an excellent sampler of Great Northern’s quieter side. It’s all killer and no filler, but only in the colloquial sense, as wistful noises drench and effectively illustrate the band’s lush, textured dreamscapes.
Sleepy Eepee opens with its most lighthearted number “Loose Ends,” a gentle psychedelic song filled with warbling synth and delicate instrumentation. On “Radio,” Rachel Stolte’s vocals come off sounding like a subconscious voice rationalizing for a troubled mind: “He’s not the only one I’ve ever seen / Could be the only one I’ll ever need.” The most notable track of all, “Summertime” contrasts a mournful melody with surprisingly hopeful lyrics. Its instrumentation is heart-wrenching, worthy of scoring the most poignant of films, and the song notably succeeds at (p)recreating the dark depths of the amazing “Low Is A Height” from Twilight.
Unlike most EPs, the tracks on Sleepy Eepee carry enough strength for repeated listens; they have the ability to take on new forms and meanings with each listen, never growing old or stale. Additionally, they exhibit the finer aspects of bittersweet, only sounding sad until one digs and discovers the hidden warmth within. And once there, the EP doesn’t feel so melancholy after all, but rather just a bit sleepy. (Eenie Meenie Records)
www.greatnorthernmusic.com
– Keane Li (more…)
