Sleep Kicks – No Chains (2022)
There are many kinds of oppression that we face on a daily basis, including that from internet trolls. To help us combat this oppression, Sleep Kicks has unleashed ‘No Chains’ which offers a call to arms through the indie rock sound. While the lyrics touch on tackling oppression in all forms, there is a hit of needing to take back the truth that fills the latter sections.
A taster for their upcoming debut album, this single is a fantastic introduction to their sound. This sound all started when post-punk band Infiniteloop lost their bass player in 2009. What followed was a change in line-up, a drawn-out musical hiatus, a slight change in sound and the birth of a new band when Stephen Gardener (bass) and Terje Kleven (guitar) joined forces to create this musical project. Drawing in old bandmates Frode Gundersen and Jørn Landbakk, they finalised their line-up and sank into their new musical direction.
The drums that roll through the opening of ‘No Chains’ shove you into the guitar line that curls around you like smoky tendrils. From the first moment, there is a lot going on in the melody, from the smoky guitar line to the thrumming bass, bouncing drums and higher tones that tickle the back of your brain. It is a rich melody that easily slides into anthemic as you head into the chorus. Through the music, you can feel the touch of darkness that is oppression. This is met by a guitar movement that tries to push through the darkness and rise against oppression. The rallying cry of the melody builds perfectly, like the slow bubbling of a revolution that slowly moves to a climax as the single progresses. In the second half of the single, electronic twinkles cement the rallying cry, while some of the darkness of the melody is chased away for a victory cry.
Against the intense melody, the vocals crook a finger and beckon you closer. There is an addictive call to join the revolution that is bolstered by the knowledge that you will not be fighting on your own. This is a revolution song that is utterly addictive and you will want to play it at top volume while shouting out with the band. The main vocal line has this delightful hint of darkness like a conspirator sharing secrets in the shadows. The backing vocals take the rallying cry to new levels making you want to break the chains of oppression with them. It is impossible to listen to this track and not feel the call to action deep in your soul.
A powerful call to action and revolutionary rallying cry, ‘No Chains’ by Sleep Kicks will have you shouting out against oppression while getting hopelessly addicted to their sound. There is a steady build to the call of the single that comes through the darkness woven into the melody. The vocals bring a shadowy whisper of revolution that leads to a powerful echoing cry in the chorus.
Find out more about Sleep Kicks on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
