Brian Maula | Chicago, IL United States | 10/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Definitely a keeper. I listen to a lot of emo, and this isn't your typical emo: the lyrics are well thought-out, it gives the listener a sense of hope which is nice considering that emo is generally very depressing.
These guys know how to play their instruments well: it's not overwhelming, the music flows very smoothly from verse to chorus to bridge. I like their style of playing, it's detailed but not overwhelming. The depth of their songs is due to its simplicity - less is more.
Do buy this CD, I promise you that it will be a definite keeper in your shelf."
Captured
Adam J. Stout | Grand Rapids, MI | 02/11/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Textured, sweeping, dreamy and beautiful. It's obvious that Sleeping At Last put thought into the production of this disc as well as the lyrics. The songs are filled with such a depth that one can enjoy it on the first, second, and one hundred and second listen. I hate to compare and say fans of Coldplay will like this band, but I think they will."
Longtime Fan
Jessica | Chicago | 01/15/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Let's get this out of the way: Sleeping at Last is amazing. Plain and simple. The guys are kind, courteous and gracious to their fans. They've grown a lot over the past few years; Ryan no longer says "Thank you" at every interval possible. The music has changed, they've progressed in their talents and their lyrics, and they keep reaching. "Ghosts" is their most recent release to date, and the best. "Capture" was a great cd, but lacked something. "Ghosts" makes up for everything. Yes, yes, the soaring vocals are great, the music flows and dances, it's amazing. But when everything is put together in one package you cannot help but stand back and just absorb it. If you ever have a chance to see this band live, see them. You will appreciate every minute of it. Since I first saw them play in '99 they have changed; they've gotten so much better, and they still send shivers down my spine. At their 1-13-04 concert at the Metro in Chicago they had a string quartet play with them, and that was a huge moment in "local band" history. These guys are amazing, period. Buy the cd, listen to it, support them, email them, anything. They're wonderful musicians and incredible people."
What the World Needs...
antiproanti | Wheaton, IL United States | 10/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The three guys in this band have been my best friends for about 6 years now (ok, so im a bit bias) but let me tell you...seeing the constant progression from when i first met them (and not really even caring for the music) to the phenominal growth and maturing in musicianship and creativity they've become now has been an amazing adventure...seems like every time I go over to ryan's house, he has some new little song idea he recorded and wants me to listen to...and every time it blows me away and makes me wonder 'how does he keep doing it??'
ive divurged...
but seriously, the world needs these guys... nowhere will you find such pure devotion to musical integrity and creativity dwelling in such amazingly nice and down-to-earth people... and the music they come up with now...some of the most beautiful and powerful stuff ive heard in years (and im a music junkie, music runs my life)
So all in all, if you're a fan of truly *good* music, do yourself and these guys a huge favor and pick up a copy of Ghosts...you wont regret it ;)(personal favorite songs: Ghosts; Skeleton of Something More; Hurry)"
These guys certainly have something...
Jason | CaLiFoRNIA | 07/15/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"...but what?
I think it's pretty deplorable the second to last review written for 'Ghosts' was written in 2005; clearly very few people in the world have any inkling to who the hell these guys are. And it's a shame, really, because they are good, and they are accessible. A lot of accessible music is naturally mediocre -- 'Sleeping at Last' is not. Far as I know Pumpkins' star Corgan produced the album, and the band itself cites references to awesome bands -- Sunny Day Real Estate, U2, and I forget the others, but recall liking whatever was listed.
How to describe this album... Sincere arena-rock, I suppose. The instrumentation wouldn't indicate such a genre, but the way virtually every song soars at one point in time causes one to picture Ryan O'Neal belting out these ballads to an entire stadium of beings. And, this is exactly where this album hits the mark -- the moments of flight -- of graceful, towering climaxes that are, in my opinion, too benign to dislike.
Initially I felt all the songs appeared too similar in tone and structure, but repeated listens definitely provided individual identities to most of the pieces. Yes, they are in fact all still similar in construction, but they work because, truly, a majority of them have beautiful choruses. And, really, I think this is where 'Sleeping at Last' earns all its points, and makes me think these guys are quite capable of becoming an awesome band. O'Neal clearly has a gift for melody, as is demonstrated in almost every song on the album. While the written notes are often exceedingly simple, they never come off as predictable or daft. Likewise, the guitar work and drums never sparkle with boggling creativity, but they do the job, and they do it well. It is simple and it is neat -- too precise perhaps -- but it is, damnit... it's just plain good. Again, O'Neal is just a man capable of melody, and the other guys' just play off it with seeming ease.
Surprisingly the first two songs on the album are perhaps the weakest, but by 'All That is Beautiful' the album kicks into high gear. It's hook is marvelous, really, and I find the lyrics to be insightful and keen. At the other end of the spectrum, we also get lyrics like "we just need some, sleep; we just need some time; to dream, away, these fears", as heard in "Slowly Now". Wonder how Freud would respond to this... Ironically, though, the song is my favorite on the disc, and that I must say is a complete testiment to the music these guys' create. The chorus effortlessly overcomes the oft tepid lyrics.
So yeah, these guys are underrated, and I really hope they gain popularity, hopefully with their next album. I mean, just listen to the title track, for crying out loud -- it's excellent! The mood and sentiment might be a bit much for a good number of folks, but I don't mind it a bit. Definitely recommended and watch for them in the coming years. (hope hope)"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
