Halifax, Nova Scotia’s alt-rockers Sleeping Machines may have been around for the last seven years, but the last four of them have been quiet ones. The band have returned with a new member and two new singles – “Houston” and “Suitcase”.
“It’s a big day for us,” says drummer Jesse MacLeod. “It’s also the first release with the new lineup.”
The new lineup has Sleeping Machines moving from the original three-piece setup of Adam Seto, AJ Boutlier and Adam Coveyduc, to a four-piece with MacLeod on Drums, Adam Seto on guitar, AJ Boutilier on bass and the addition of Johnny Renken handling the vocals.
The two new singles fit into a theme of inner-turmoil. While coming form different angles, both songs seem to weigh the balance between experience and expectation.
“‘Houston’ explores the weight of self-induced alienation and isolation,” explains MacLeod. “We can often find ourselves looking for things outside of ourselves and the people around us. Sometimes in this pursuit of ‘otherworldliness’ we find ourselves trapped even deeper inside the cracks of everyday monotony. ‘Houston’ expresses the feeling of being lost in this space and the mounting inner-tension that can ensue.”
“‘Suitcase’ mostly came from a feeling of carrying baggage for me,” says Renken, “either putting up with somebody’s unhealthy baggage, or dealing with some of your own.”
The band’s have a show coming up at The Seahorse Tavern in Halifax, Nova Scotia to celebrate the official release of their double singles – what the MacLeod describes as “a huge night of experimental and math rock music. It’s the only show as of now but 2020 we’re gonna hit the ground running with a bunch of new material and shows.”
The show will also include performances from NightTimer, Rootabagga, and The Highrise Quartet, who will be releasing a single of their own called ‘Beatbox’.
Show Dates:
12.06.19 – Halifax, NS @ The Seahorse Tavern*
*with The Highrise Quartet, NightTimer and Rootabagga