SUPERMAN'S BLUES

Although the creative peak of psychedelic rock occurred shortly after it was pioneered in the latter half of the 60s, the style has persisted, albeit in different forms. There are still bands that keep the vintage torch alive, but I feel that the most promising modern incarnation of psychedelia comes in the form of bands like Porcupine Tree, and now Sleepin (sic) Pillow, a band from Greece. Releasing their debut a few years to some positive response across the board, 'Superman's Blues' shows them making another powerful statement. Already early on in their career, they are able to create vivid atmosphere with their music that keeps me wanting more from them.

Sleepin Pillow grace themselves with a very modern sound, as far as psych rock goes. There are only traces of classic trip-music here; parallels are much more easily drawn instead to other modern artists in alternative rock, most notably Radiohead, with whom this band shares many traits. Particularly in their inventive use of sounds and textures to create atmosphere, Sleepin Pillow makes a very strong impression. There is futuristic ambiance ('The Big Circle'), dark alt rock ('Silicone', 'Masterpiece') and even a brooding sitar passage with 'Superman Sings The Blues'. Suffice to say, the band keeps their listeners engaged from beginning to end, with so many great ideas inspiring me to listen more intently. The songwriting of the music is a little less impressive than their craftsmanship with atmosphere, but the songs themselves here are ones that are quickly memorable. Many songs here hold the same sense of melancholia I hear with Porcupine Tree, although the main noticeable difference is the singer, who may be aiming for the same effect as Steven Wilson, but his voice passes me as being a tad monotonous and dry. All the same, it fits the rather solemn vibe that some of these songs resonate.

'Superman's Blues' is not yet seeing Sleepin Pillow perfect their sound, but if my intuition is worth anything, I see Sleepin Pillow becoming one of Greece's premier progressive acts. They have a great deal of potential, and even now, parts of their sound have already been rounded up to a point where I am completely satisfied. Psychedelic rock certainly isn't what it used to be, but as far as Sleepin Pillow go, I would not say that's necessarily a bad thing.

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