Sleeping Together: In Love With My Ex
Self-released
Out Now
Those shiny young things, Sleeping Together, may do a great line in feelgood indie rock/pop, but like most of us, they also have a darker side. Latest release, In Love With My Ex, allows us to delve a little deeper into the band’s psyche.
Haunting, intense, raw – not words you’d necessarily associate with Sleeping Together, but they’ve never been afraid to temper the happy-go-lucky image with some stark reality checks – no more so than with In Love With My Ex. And while the title might suggest a routine break-up love song, there’s more to it than that. Singer Alexander Lloyd-Jones delivers a heartfelt reflection on lost love, with an overwhelming sense of inner turmoil and yearning for happier times now lost – ‘Yesterday’ re-imagined for 2025 with an injection of post-punk urgency. And while a pre-release Joy Division reference initially sounded a little fanciful, the sparse bass line and despondent lyrics fleetingly invoke the spirit: ‘Enjoy it before it starts to take its toll, Enjoy it while you still have control.’
This being Sleeping Together, In Love With My Ex remains eminently listenable and relatable, notwithstanding the desolate mood. Those hallmark characteristics of a great melody, memorable chorus, striking backing vocals and chiming guitar are present in abundance, as solemn subject and audience appeal go comfortably hand in hand. Alex candidly admits, “I hated it at first. It felt like a completely different direction. I wanted to write another pop song.” But although, as McCartney pointed out, the world will never have enough of silly love songs, variety is the spice of life, and the ability to evolve and diversify while still retaining their loveable identity will stand the band in good stead as they continue to blossom.
Photo: Romy Caton-Jones
Sleeping Together Linktree
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