Sleeping States
Old Vs New
Etch N Sketch


It's a wonder more bands don't do what UK based Sleeping States has done with the 'Old Vs New' EP. Having spent the majority of time touring lately, Markland Starkie takes a look at the evolution of songs from his (generally locally unavailable) back catalogue, with an emphasis on the sound of his touring band - a pared-down trio that purposefully leaves little room for the kind of expansive, spacious subtlety of his studio work. 'Old Vs New' is a conscious attempt to show these songs in a new light, performing them mostly live to tape in a studio.

Most familiar to Australian listeners would be the opening track, Planning My Escape, featured on last year's triumphant 'There The Open Spaces' album, Starkie's debut international release. A sprawling, sparse indie rock record, it stood out from other titles not only because of its minimalist soundscape, but also because of Starkie's voice - rich and melodious, but vulnerable enough to be truly compelling. And while Planning My Escape is still buoyed by those elements, it's been filled out considerably by a driving bass drum beat.

From there on, Sleeping States' usual minimalism is even less apparent. The title track is roughly done, sounding like it was recorded in one or two takes, but it works, as does similarly-toned Life Without Buildings cover Liberty Feelup. Trumpet Calls goes even further down that path - the most basic of drum beats, awash with guitar feedback, it's an exploration of a completely different side to the Sleeping States that produced 'There The Open Spaces', but that's why it's ultimately so fascinating - in fact, it's enough to make you wish more bands would take this sort of chance with their music.

Alistair Wallis