Curious title, this Sleep Forever. While it may be appropriate for the likes of soporific slowcore acts such as Low, The Big Sleep hammers out a mighty ruckus. Much like their debut Son of the Tiger, the New York trio’s sophomore set is a fearsome lineup of monster epics that combine the low-end drudgery of Black Sabbath and the feedback squealing post-punk of Sonic Youth. As these comparisons should give some indication, The Big Sleep is one bloody heavy band. So much so, that when vocalist Sonya begins cooing, it’s almost a shock not to hear a burly, bearded Valhallan bellowing toward the depths. A good chunk of the album is instrumental, though, the group allowing their vicious riffs to speak for themselves. This album isn’t one that will induce narcolepsy, but rather one so heavy that, if not handled properly, could leave one headed toward the big sleep, oneself.
--Jeff Terich
