Fiddlehead continue to prove what a truly special band they are. They are heading towards releasing their new album, Death Is Nothing To Us, a gripping finale in their emotional trilogy of releases to this point. And based on the tracks released from it so far, it’s going to be a record that helps everybody who listens to it in some way or another. First, there was the furious “Sullenboy“, which came with the album’s announcement. And now there is “Sleepyhead“, which demonstrates the breadth that this release is going to encompass.
Rooted deep into the bright and breezy alternative sound of the 90s, it’s a track that feels like a time capsule as much as an icy cold and fresh touch. Brimming with scream-along vocals, foot-tapping rhythms and all of the devil-may-care attitude that you can take, it’s an anthem to end all anthems. With vocalist Pat Flynn pushing his voice on both ends of the spectrum, it’s a masterclass in control or catharsis. When he croons, you feel every note, and when he barks, you feel every ounce of pain.
Read more: The Dangerous Summer Reimagines “Fuck Them All”
Pat had this to say about the track:
“There’s no real great lyrical upside to this song. I wanted to write a song that could capture the stuck-ness that comes with deep depression. Ultimately, this is a song about tuning out and looking away from the brokenness in one’s life on earth in favor of quick comfort. It is kind of a conversation between two people or two minds.
The so-called ‘Sleepyhead’ is a woeful person depressed by the way of the world who chooses to deal with the sadness of it all with excessive sleep. Somewhere in there, however, is a voice of reason that offers perspective – but, to no avail, as the two voices come together in resignation to the weight of the hold that a thick ‘bout of deep depression’ can lay on someone.
I see the song as essential to the arc of the record, which ultimately turned out to be a climb out of such a sad state. So, perhaps that’s the upside?”
Fiddlehead will release Death Is Nothing To Us on August 18 via Run For Cover. Observing pain and loss with honesty and openness it’s going to be a special record for a lot of people. You can also check out “Sullenboy” below:
You will be able to catch the band on the road in support of the album later this year. Here are all the dates you need to know:
- Sept 22 – Boston, MA @ Royale
- Sept 23 – NYC, NY @ Webster Hall
- Sept 28 – Chicago, IL @ Metro
- Sept 29 – Toledo, OH @ Ottawa Tavern
- Sept 30 – Detroit, MI @ Edgemen
- Oct 01 – Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace
- Oct 06 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
- Oct 07 – Los Angeles, CA @ Ukrainian Culture Centre
- Oct 08 – Ojai, CA @ Ojai Women’s Club
- Feb 23 2024 – London, UK @ The Garage
