With slow-burning riffage and a hazy overtone that beckons you to sway side-to-side, Havenhurst brings a shining example of pure emo-punk to the surface with their latest single, “Sleep Deprived.”
In the best kind of way, it sounds reminiscent to randomly finding yourself in someone’s garage because your friend asked you last minute if you wanted to go to this show that their friend was throwing. Given that nature, I have an unshakable inkling that this song harbors a full scale resonance when played live (folks can find out here, if you’re free and available in-person!).
The production sounds overall ghostly; and the track builds into a softly and, actually lovely, calibrated crescendo toward the end. Letting guitar strings whirl and echo, culminating to a very Modest Mouse-ish solo right on the tail end of the track. The vocalization croons with shaky but calculated delivery, and my only complaint with this tune is that I wish the vocals were turned up just a teeny bit more. Particularly because of the storytelling aspect that lies within the lyrics. The only scope of music with better story arcs than classic country jams are those that indefinitely emulate Midwest-inspired emo punk.
“Sleep Deprived,” sounds to me like a song that is longing to reminisce about a life that is inescapable. Like you’re doing your damnedest to stay present and be in the moment amid your day-to-day, but you are crammed in this perpetual state of sleepiness that comes with a force-field-like haze.
“I’ve had a long, long day…I don’t know how I’m awake…I don’t know if I’m okay…” (lyrics from, "Sleep Deprived")
The saying goes, it’s okay to not be okay. Bit cheesy at this point? Perhaps. But more and more I’ve come to find that a premiere tenant of so-called-adulthood is coming to terms with knowing this: "you’re not gonna always have everything figured out all the time."
Heading into a seemingly strange, quite warm, and rather moody Fall season while having this song in your back pocket is equal to throwin’ on that favorite sweater o’ yours and goin’ for a breezy Autumn stroll. It’s comfy and somber in a way that refreshes and cleanses you from the ears out.
Give it a spin and decide for yourselves, but it appears that Havenhurst is doing a fine job reproducing all the best parts about the emo/punk-centric realm of sound.
Check out their new single wherever you can stream tunes. I highly encourage keeping them in your ears on your feeds!
Until next time... Stay moved, everyone!
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