Previously impressing with the tracks “Marmalade” and “Supermoon Blackout” in 2016, North Carolina rock act Ancient Cities return with the track “Heavy Sleeper,” the band’s first release since their 2016 sophomore LP. Since that time, the band has honed a psych-friendly vein of Americana that emphasizes a more rock-oriented style. This new emphasis is further aided by their work with Drew Vandenburg (Toro y Moi, of Montreal, Faye Webster, Kishi Bashi), who mixed the track.
“Heavy Sleeper” starts with shimmering guitars and soaring vocals, gradually building in textural guitars and a rock-forward sound — until about the three-minute mark, upon the emergence of a serene vocal interlude with twinkling keys. Brightly soaring guitars return shortly thereafter, fitting the engaging track into a satisfying conclusion.
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“Heavy Sleeper” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of June 2019’ Spotify playlist.
Love Ancient Cities! <3