SLEEPNOWQUEEN – Ghost Party (2025)
Drawing inspiration from the romanticism and atmospheric moodiness of yesteryear’s post-punk and synth-pop realm, SLEEPNOWQUEEN “…transforms nostalgia into something fiercely avant-garde” with radical turns toward experimental alternative sound. A pioneer in experimentalism and eclectic alternative styles, the US-based musician transcends eras and flips sounds on their ear in something unique, original and highly innovative. This is our introduction to SLEEPNOWQUEEN, so we’re rather unsure what to expect. Join us as we jump headfirst into the vastly unknown.
Following his singles ‘Spooky Season’ and ‘Kiss Me In Kansas City’, SLEEPNOWQUEEN shares his single, ‘Ghost Party’. A drag back to the 80s post-punk era, the shimmering synths linger beneath a pulsating drum, while a guitar slides across the tune with creepy, haunting intent. Truthfully, I was immediately drawn to the vintage vibe of ‘Ghost Party’ nodding at artists like The Cure; however, I can hear where the rip from yesteryear meets the welcoming arms of 2025 melodically and, oddly enough, lyrically.
Veering into the avant-garde terrain of synth-pop and post-punk, SLEEPNOWQUEEN’s slicked-back guitar reverb is simultaneously rhythmic harmonies and a distorted crush of jagged edges. Recorded and produced with long-time friend sincope at Ryan’s Studio, the song’s obscurity is enhanced by the underground flavour of this independent studio, or at least, that’s the vibe SLEEPNOWQUEEN inserts into the melody. It’s amazing how a particular environment or setting can impact a tune, and I find this off-kilter-ness matches the individuality of the production.
Rather creepy, listening to ‘Ghost Party’ could be the song they have on repeat as you enter a ballroom of mystical fog, shimmering haziness, and an odd feeling of “oh, this is eerie” and “let’s get the party started”. With his bold vocals dancing across the instrumentation, you find yourself singing along, chanting “it’s a ghost party” over and over again. You get your groove on with a weird 80s dance, then start boogying (or, in my case, start doing the twist) with your eyes closed and a grin on your face.
So, my overall opinion of SLEEPNOWQUEEN? In one word: crazy. His music stops you in your tracks with an affront of “what the hell”; once it thaws, you find yourself slipping in line with the radical soul.
Find out more about SLEEPNOWQUEEN on his Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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