Album Reviews

Crafted over several years free from rigid deadlines or expectations, Tangled In The Vines might sound like a misleading title for an album this direct. But dig into the lyrics - where themes like self-loathing and internal conflict take center stage - and the metaphor makes more sense.

On their fourth full-length, the New Jersey alt-emo outfit leaves everything on the table while introducing plenty of welcome surprises. Rather than chasing instant earworms, Sleep In. craft slow-burn tracks built for headphone listening and repeat spins. They experiment freely with dynamics, introduce a saxophone and pedal steel to the mix, and weave in guest vocals from David Osterhout (Bike Routes) and Zayna Youssef and Sean McCall (Sweet Pill).

Pulling cues from American Football and Jimmy Eat World among others, the band covers serious emo territory. Personal favorite "Fortress Of Solid Dude" ebbs and flows between noodly verses and all-out emo catharsis, while the gentle “Radiation” shows off the band’s mellow side. Bonus points to the band for naming a track "Jason Bourne Again."