Brian Batz, who goes by the moniker Sleep Party People, has a brand new album on the horizon called, Lingering. The Denmark-native is putting a new, uptempo spin on dream pop. His ability to blend his falsetto, breathy vocals with the ambient samplings of a myriad instruments makes his eclectic music a form of ethereal funk.
While Lingering is a bit of a harried and, at times, an anxiety-inducing cacophony of sounds, Sleep Party People makes his stark, contrasting songs accessible. In a way, this interwoven and deeply rooted style of songwriting is refreshing and the unchained and freed technique gives the album an interesting, unique spin on pop music.
The lead single, “The Missing Steps”, is an example of Batz’s drawn in representation of careful creation. The track is a love song built around a high tempo, but muted percussion beat and filled in with ambient sounds that are accompanied by a small choir of Copenhagen musicians comprised Irah, CODY, Hymns From Nineveh, Disa and Luster. By bringing together a myriad of voices that harmonize beautifully, it gives the track a depth and balance.
Another track that breeds a sense of calm is “Lingering Eyes”. The spacey, bliss-like song is filled with an underlying rumbling bass line that draws you in. And with his ethereal, almost haunting, vocals delicately laid over the soundtrack, there is a feeling of floating through space. It is a wonderful masterpiece by Sleep Party People.
Beth Hirsch, vocalist for Air, collaborated with Batz on one of the highlights of Lingering, “We Are There Together”. It is a more organic sounding song with gentler, down-tempo percussion melded with the sensual, tender vocals of Hirsch. It feels like sitting in the corner of a cigar smoke-filled lounge sipping on a whiskey neat. It fills the senses completely.
Lingering fits the definition of dream pop with absolute brilliance and Sleep Party People have found a perfect formula. It is worth checking out and using as a soundtrack for contemplating the universe.
Lingering by Sleep Party People will be available on June 2, 2017, but you will be able to pre-order the album: HERE.
