The initial reaction I (and a few other people) had upon hearing Pyres debut full-length, Year of Sleep, was a feeling of familiarity. The sounds of Remission-era Mastodon have been used to describe the sludge-riff-machine that Pyres conjure up so easily. But, as I sat and listened to the album a few more times, and by few I mean over 30, Year of Sleep just sounds like a band that is entirely comfortable with what they are doing, and doing it with confidence.
I won’t sit and try to pick the album apart piece by piece, simply because every song packs a huge wallop to the gut. Over 40 minutes (that go by way too fast) the band is consistent in their worship of The Riff. You know the one I’m talking about. Makes your feet tap, has you humming while reading or shaving, causes you to sporadically air guitar or drum in public places without a care in the world. Between all that, the spacey sections that are littered here and there and the lyrics of pain and triumph, Year of Sleep is damn near perfect. Don’t believe me? Give it a listen and try to sit still, try not to feel something.
Granite House Records will be releasing Year of Sleep on July 23rd, available digitally, on CD, on 12” Gatefold and in shirt/album combos. Don’t be one of those dicks that are late to the party, go grab a copy of this album.
Support the bands and artist you enjoy.
HAIL!!!!
