EP REVIEW: Sleep Outside – Buy In / Cash Out

‘…a great little EP from a band with plenty of promise. ‘Buy In / Cash Out’ is an angsty firecracker of a listen…’

Self-described ‘Celtic Emo’ three-piece Sleep Outside have been a busy bunch this year. It may only be April, but the Cardiff based outfit have not only finished up a mini-tour of England and Wales, but have stepped across to mainland Europe for an extensive run of headline dates.

All of this is on top of a three-track EP that the band released back in February. ‘Buy In / Cash Out’ follows on from the band’s debut record, which released last year, and gives listeners a perfect introduction to the band’s sound. These are three tracks of punchy, angsty emo that are woven together cohesively and creatively, and leaves you wanting more.

‘Casino’ is a brilliantly punchy number whose lyrics take on an increasingly embittered and vicious tone as the track progresses. It drives forwards through soaring choruses absolutely packed with infectious melodies. ‘Tell Me’ swaps out that ferocity for a more groove oriented approach, with swaggering, bouncing rhythms that demand you to get dancing.

‘Only Child Apology’ is, however, quite the surprise. The track takes melodies and lyrics from ‘Casino’, and reconstructs them into a lo-fi trap number that plays perfectly not only as an outro to the previous track, but as a standalone effort. The track morphs into a driving alternative rock number by the end, yet manages to retain the somber, intimate nature it commenced with. It’s a wonderfully creative effort that evolves this listen beyond your standard three-track fare.

Some of the mixing on the EP does sound a little muddy, leading to the tracks feeling strangely quiet and unfortunately flat at times. Thankfully however, the band’s charismatic delivery and pleasantly creative approach makes up for this; the listener is never going to be truly distracted by any production quirks when singing along is so irresistible.

All of this makes for a great little EP from a band with plenty of promise. ‘Buy In / Cash Out’ is an angsty firecracker of a listen, demonstrating that Sleep Outside know how to write a hook, know how to think creatively, and know how to bring multiple tracks together into a single work of art. For any fans of emo out there, these are eight minutes of essential listening.

RATING: 77/100 – Mostly Very Good

For Fans Of: Buds., saturdays at your place, Pale Sailor, Michael Cera Palin, PUP

Physical copies are available to purchase here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify