The Sleeping Souls release their debut LP, Just Before the World Starts Burning, via Xtra Mile Recordings. Its 12 tracks (43 min, 42 sec) touch upon politics, family, lost love, frustration, escapism and obsession. The Sleeping Souls embracing a wide array of influences, from the explorative post/rock sounds of Radiohead, to tempestuous Hot Snakes-esque punk thrashings, and introspective alternative/folk of the Elliot Smith variety...

Just Before the World Starts Burning is an indie punk/rock album of the highest caliber. It opens on the right note, with 'Underneath an Ocean Sky', an instantly memorable track that is hard to not to sing along to. It has all the hallmarks of an instant classic rock track.

The album slowly unfolds with much more of the same. But don't think that they are a one-trick-pony. 'Steal Some Time' has a Waterboys vibe running through it, with its upbeat folk-based heart. The LP concludes with 'Whispers to the Faithful Few', which leaves you wanting more, with its soft, mellow strings and finger plucking guitar core.

It's this ability to write and perform varied tracks, whilst keeping their own personality, that makes The Sleeping Souls an outfit worth discovering.

9

Nick Smithson